Damning Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese Rookie of the Year vote results say a lot

Caitlin Clark received the backing of from but all one voter on the national panel as she was confirmed as the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year - beating rival Angel Reese to the prize.

The former Iowa college basketball hero made a successful transition to the professional game during her record-breaking rookie campaign with the Indiana Fever . Setting numerous new standards with her showings, she ended the term with an average of 19.2 points, 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game.

While ending proceedings seventh in the WNBA in points scored , she set a new single-season record after tallying up a staggering 337 assists. Amassing 769 points and 122 three-pointers in her inaugural WNBA season, she also broke the record for a rookie player in the league.

Now, it has been revealed that the 22-year-old received 66 votes from the ensemble panel 67 sportswriters and broadcasters who decided the WNBA Rookie of the Year for 2024. Meanwhile, Chicago Sky star Reese was the recipient of the single remaining vote.

Clark helped to inspire her team to a first post-season appearance since 2016 this season but the Fever's playoff adventure ended at the first hurdle with a loss in the first round to Connecticut Sun . She started all 40 of her team's regular season games too, as she established herself as a mainstay in the Fever set-up.

Reflecting on her rookie season, the youngster later posted an emotional message on her social media about her experience. "Year one (check emoji) — thank you to the many people who have supported me as I’ve been able to live my childhood dream. I’m filled with gratitude as I reflect on this past year of my life. See you all in year two."

A video of the moment when Clark found out she was about to be named as Rookie of the Year emerged on social media when her crown was confirmed. Released by the official Fever page, the clips shows the moment she received a the phone call from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert telling her the news.

Also showing her teammates embracing her warmly after the call, the post was captioned: "The moment she got the call Caitlin Clark was surprised after practice with a call from @WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert where she was announced as 2024 Rookie of the Year. then, the whole team instantly celebrated."

Speaking previously about the prospect of winning the prize, Clark said: "You don't wake up and think about individual awards. I know that's what all of you think we do. I know we don't. That's what everybody wants to make this about. That's a selfish thing to just care about an individual award. And she would give you the same exact answer. I'm sure she has given you the same exact answer."