This year’s draft class is IT! This is not just an expression that millions of people are using to define the 2024 draftees. This is the transformation of the league that they are experiencing in real-time. Playing huge roles in this transition are Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink. Surely, there have been many women before them who have achieved something similar or more. But whether you blame it on social awareness or the NIL deals, this large-scale evolution is new.

However, despite getting all the eyes of the basketball world, all the three most popular rookies failed to grab a win in their WNBA career debuts.

The Sun did not rise in the Eastern Conference for rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese

Angel Reese, one of the transformational forces and the reason behind the league’s popularity, had to face Dallas in her WNBA career debut. The Sky head coach has truly put a lot of faith in this rookie by making her part of the starting lineup. Chicago wants to be a defensive team and Reese’s presence only bolsters that goal. However, even though she had a decent outing, Chicago could not win the regular season opener.

In the game against the Dallas Wings in Arlington, Reese managed 12 points and 8 rebounds. The team effort could not meet up as the Sky lost 79-87 to the hosts. On the other side in Uncasville, Caitlin Clark continued breaking more records.

While for a positive turn, the NCAA’s offensive queen brought over 2.1 million views to her debut against Connecticut. But her other record of most turnovers in franchise history or in the history of the league on debut cost Indiana a win. Going against the Sun, the 2x NPOY had 10 TOs in her last game. The league is definitely not taking Clark’s hype as a warning as they make every game hard for the rookie.

Stephen A. Smith, although impressed by her 20 points and 4 threes, did advise Clark to enhance her intensity. Talking on the First Take on ESPN, he said, “I saw at least two or three of those turnovers where she did not hustle back. That’s it. You gotta up your intensity, up your effort.” 

Although the Fever could not manage a great first impression, Clark became the only rookie this year to score as many as 20 points on debut. She also became the second-highest scorer in an Indiana Fever game on debut. She is second to the WNBA and Fever legend Tamika Catchings, who bagged 23 points in her very first WNBA game. On the other side of the country, things did not go well either for Caitlin Clark’s friend and former Cardinal, Cameron Brink.

Cameron Brink gets her dreams broken in the Western Conference

The LA Sparks’ spirits were high after a good draft last month. In yesterday’s game, the hosts could not grab a win as the Atlanta Dream won 92-81. The team saw some huge moments like Layshia Clarendon grabbing her very first triple-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. But it was a rather slow day for Brink. She bagged 11 points tonight with 4 assists and 2 rebounds. Apart from showing off her defensive strength with 2 blocks, she also added to the front court, making 2 of 3 triples that kept the Sparks in fighting spirits.

Another way that these three rookies succeeded was the fact that their games had everyone’s attention. Big guns of their respective industries like Latto attended Angel Reese’s game. Kim Kardashian with her daughter North and Magic Johnson showed up at Cameron Brink’s game. Not to mention again that along with a sold-out Mohegan Sun Arena where Geno Auriemma too came, had record-breaking views in the history of WNBA.

This is the proof that while none of the NCAA stars won tonight, they surely shone brightly. With their first games in, they have shown their potential to be the next big thing in the WNBA. Not to mention that the offensive powers of Caitlin Clark, the defensive prowess of Cameron Brink, and the balanced intensity that Angel Reese brings to this sport are what keep the league interesting.

Despite the losses, all three are keeping their focus on the next game. Also, this is their first month in the big league, which means even through mistakes, they will learn and become better and stronger. It will be interesting to see how they perform as the 2024 WNBA season progresses.