Tag: Rookie Of The Year

Karl Vilips started 2024 at Stanford. Now he’s the Korn Ferry Tour’s Rookie of the Year

When 2024 began, Karl Vilips was in college. Now, he’s on the PGA Tour.

When 2024 began, Karl Vilips was in college. Now, he’s on the PGA Tour.

In between, he graduated from Stanford, dominated the Korn Ferry Tour and advanced to the highest level of professional golf. How he did so earned him Korn Ferry Tour Rookie of the Year honors, it was announced Wednesday.

Vilips, 23, turned pro after a No. 10 finish in the 2024 PGA Tour University Ranking. He started playing on PGA Tour Americas, making two starts before his Korn Ferry Tour debut in July on a sponsor exemption at The Ascendant. Vilips held conditional Korn Ferry Tour membership, played his way into The Ascendant with a runner-up finish in the Korn Ferry Tour member division of a qualifying tournament, through which the event awarded four of its five sponsor exemptions.

He then posted back-to-back top-25s in his first two Korn Ferry Tour starts, followed by a runner-up finish at the NV5 Invitational and a win at the Utah Championship. The Australian won the Utah Championship at 22 years, 11 months, and 19 days of age, making him the second-youngest winner on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2024, only behind South African Aldrich Potgieter. Vilips and Potgieter were the only rookie winners on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2024, in addition to being the only Korn Ferry Tour rookies who earned PGA Tour membership for the 2025 season.

Vilips made 10 starts as a rookie and finished No. 19 on the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour points list. Vilips tallied seven top-25s in his 10 starts.

Jayden Daniels is named the NFL’s top rookie at the midseason point

More love for Jayden Daniels.

Barring a major injury, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award wrapped up before Week 10.

Daniels has broken numerous team and NFL rookie records through the first nine weeks of his rookie season, and he has the Commanders atop the NFC East with a 7-2 record. While Daniels hasn’t done it alone, he’s clearly helped turn Washington around from a perennial loser to one of the NFL’s best teams.

The No. 2 pick in April’s NFL draft is head and shoulders above the rest of his rookie class, especially the other quarterbacks, including the No. 1 overall pick, Caleb Williams.

NFL.com recently ranked the 2024 rookie class from 1-25. To no one’s surprise, Daniels topped the list.

Daniels’ dynamism is apparent, but his preternatural calm might be the secret sauce. He oozes a quiet confidence you can’t fake, backing it up with clutch play in big spots. In terms of total EPA (expected points added), here are Next Gen Stats’ top six quarterbacks on third/fourth down through Week 9:

  1. Patrick Mahomes: 38.5 EPA
  2. Jayden Daniels: 36.5
  3. Joe Burrow: 22.5
  4. Josh Allen: 22.4
  5. Kirk Cousins: 20.7
  6. Lamar Jackson: 14.5

That’s a hell of a list — and the rookie ranks No. 2. Which helps explain why he stays No. 1 here.

Yes, that’s an impressive list. Washington isn’t winning with smoke and mirrors. Daniels is making plays with his arm and his legs. The Commanders are excellent on third and perfect on fourth downs. Why? Because defenses fear Daniels.

While there are many things to celebrate in Washington, including new ownership, an elite GM and a top-notch coaching staff, Daniels stands above all. The Commanders now have hope and should be in excellent shape for the next 10-15 years.

Raiders TE Brock Bowers among ESPN’s midseason Offensive Rookie of the Year frontrunners

In its midseason picks, Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers is in the thick of the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year race.

Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers has been everything Las Vegas could have asked for and then some.

The 6-foot-4, 230 pound rookie tight end out of Georgia is currently second in the NFL in receptions with 57 and leads all tight ends with 580 receiving yards. Bowers has a pair of touchdown grabs, including last week’s 22-yard touchdown reception against the Cincinnati Bengals.

During a season that is currently spiraling, Bowers has been the Raiders’ biggest bright spot.

Bowers was the Raiders’ top selection in the 2024 NFL draft. The Raiders drafted Bowers with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft’s first round.

To see Bowers delivering upon and exceeding expectations is a welcome sight for the future.

As the season crosses its midway point, Bowers’ exceptional play has his name among the frontrunners to perhaps track down NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell featured Bowers among his top three in the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year chase at the season’s midway point.

Is Bowers already the league’s best receiving tight end? He leads all tight ends in receptions (57), receiving yards (580), first downs (28) and yards after the catch (300). He ranks third in yards per route run behind George Kittle and Trey McBride, which isn’t exactly bad company. About the only hole to poke in his production is a modest total of two touchdowns, although I wouldn’t pin that on him; Gardner Minshew badly overthrew an open Bowers for what should have been a touchdown that instead became Pat Surtain’s 100-yard pick-six.

It’s a historic start for a rookie tight end. The only rookies with more receiving yards through their first nine games are Mike Ditka and Kyle Pitts. No tight end has more receptions in his first nine contests. Pro Football Reference has first-down data going back through the mid-1990s, and the only rookie tight end with more first downs to begin his career is Jordan Reed, who had 29. Bowers is doing all of this as a 21-year-old. – Barnwell, ESPN.

Bowers looked like a can’t-miss prospect coming out of Georgia and that proclamation has held true.

Barnwell has Bowers No. 2 on his top three choices to capture the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award on his midseason list.

Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was ranked No. 3. Meanwhile, Barnwell has Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels as his top pick to win Offensive Rookie of the Year at the midway point.

ESPN media poll projects Houston’s Reed Sheppard as 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year

Rockets guard Reed Sheppard checks in as a strong frontrunner in ESPN’s initial 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year projection.

In the aftermath of a strong performance at the NBA’s 2024 summer league, expectations are high for rookie guard Reed Sheppard as he begins his professional career with the Houston Rockets.

Thus, to no surprise, Sheppard is a Rookie of the Year favorite in ESPN’s “Summer Forecast” for the 2024-25 NBA season. As part of the annual exercise, ESPN polls a group of its media experts regarding awards predictions and key questions for the new season.

A first-place vote receives five points, a second-place vote secures three points, and a third-place vote earns one point.

For Rookie of the Year, Sheppard — drafted by the Rockets at No. 3 overall in the 2024 first round — was a strong frontrunner with 72 total points and 62% of first-place votes. Memphis big man Zach Edey finished second with 40 points and 14% of the total vote.

Tuesday’s complete results are available at ESPN. Other Rockets who received votes (without leading these categories) are Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Jabari Smith Jr. for Most Improved Player and Ime Udoka for 2024-25 Coach of the Year.

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How much of a shot does San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle have at winning Rookie of the Year?

Can the Georgia native do enough to put himself in the mix to win Rookie of the Year this coming season?

How much of a shot does San Antonio Spurs rookie combo guard Stephon Castle have at winning the NBA’s 2025 Rookie of the Year award? There were certainly times at the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer Leagues where the former University of Connecticut alum looked like the best player on the floor.

But that does not necessarily mean that Castle will have the same shine when he faces the level of competition that exists at the NBA level. Can the Georgia native do enough to put himself in the mix to win Rookie of the Year this coming season?

Or are there other incoming players who might be better-positioned to steal it from him?

The folks behind the “TSR Sports” YouTube channel put together a way-too-early look at the NBA’s race for the 2025 Rookie of the year award. Take a look at the clip embedded above to hear what they had to say about Castle’s odds in it.

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San Antonio Spurs Stephon Castle projected in top-5 2025 Rookie of the Year race

His size and length will make him a menace defensively.

Evidently, fourth place is former University of Connecticut standout guard Stephon Castle’s spot until he can prove otherwise. The San Antonio Spurs took the Georgia native fourth overall in the 2024 NBA draft, and now he is projected to be the fourth-most likely rookie to take home the NBA’s 2024 Rookie of the Year award.

That projection was put together by Bleacher Report NBA draft expert Jonathan Wasserman, so it should be taken seriously. Per Wasserman, “Castle showed the different ways he can impact games without needing shooting range” in summer league, and “his change of pace, physicality and passing instincts will continue to work for driving, finishing after contact and playmaking.”

His size and length will make him a menace defensively, and he “has a great feel for keeping defenders off balance and moving them with his power before using touch shots in the lane or vision to set up teammates” on the other end of the court.

“Even with the arrival of Chris Paul and likelihood that Devin Vassell and Harrison Barnes both start, Castle should still be looking at plenty of minutes,” he adds. “He could be used as a secondary creator with the starters, a backup point guard for the second unit, or a big-wing defender at the 3.”

“A shaky jump shot may make it tough to consistently score in volume, but Castle should find other ways to reach double figures while adding supporting assist and rebounding numbers.”

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Chet Holmgren reacts to Victor Wembanyama’s 2023-24 Rookie of the Year award

Chet Holmgren reacts to Victor Wembanyama’s 2023-24 Rookie of the Year award.

One of the larger storylines from this past season surrounds the Rookie of the Year race. Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren squared off as the pair had historical first seasons.

The two seven-footers will likely be compared to each other for their entire careers. They headline a new era of modern big men who are elite paint protectors who can handle and shoot the ball. They both led the league in blocks last season.

Their NBA situations also added gas to the flames. The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs have been rivals for most of the 2010s and will likely reignite that rivalry as both squads ascend to contenders.

Wembanyama won the first battle against Holmgren with the Rookie of the Year award. The latter had his first season after he missed last year recovering from multiple foot surgeries.

Holmgren had a sound response when asked about Wembanyama’s award. He was asked about it on the “Road Trippin'” podcast led by former NBA players Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye.

“To sit here and say ‘If this, if that, talking about situations.’ I guess our situations were different. Like polar opposites,” Holmgren said. “You can come up with 50 pros and cons for each of us on things outside of statistics, like completely random things from who’s on our team, what we’re playing for,  what amount of attention is placed on us.

“You can come up with a million different things for each of us to try and skew decisions, but like at the end of the day, what is the criteria?”

Holmgren used the loaded question to get on his soapbox and critique the arbitrary standards each NBA award possesses during every season. The 22-year-old argues there’s no consistency involved.

“This is my thing with all NBA awards — what is the criteria? It’s all in the eye of the beholder, what Richard Jefferson believes is different than what Channing Frye believes,” Holmgren said. “It just comes down to who has more voters that believe in their side of the criteria I guess. I don’t think Wemby was unfair in winning Rookie of the Year or anything. Credit to him for a great season, and we’re not rookies anymore.”

This is an unsurprisingly mature response by Holmgren. He’s done an excellent job swatting down juicy questions during his time in OKC. It rivals his on-court blocks.

Despite his efforts, Holmgren and Wembanyama will be linked for the rest of their careers. It’ll be appointment viewing when the Thunder and Spurs match up.

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Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace earn 2023-24 All-Rookie team honors

Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace earn 2023-24 All-Rookie team honors.

The NBA announced its two 2023-24 All-Rookie teams on Monday. The Oklahoma City Thunder had a pair among the 10 slots.

Chet Holmgren was listed on the All-Rookie first team. He joined Victor Wembanyama, Brandon Miller, Jaime Jaquez and Brandin Podziemski.

Cason Wallace was listed on the All-Rookie second team. He joined Amen Thompson, Dereck Lively II, Keyonte George and GG Jackson II.

This shouldn’t be a shocker. Holmgren had a phenomenal rookie campaign after missing last season while recovering from a Lisfranc injury. He was part of OKC’s trio — along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams — that headlined the youngest first seed in league history.

Meanwhile, Wallace was a key rotation piece for the Thunder. He was their unofficial sixth starter when needed. The 20-year-old provided OKC with great perimeter defense and outside shooting.

Both rookies logged the full 82 games this season, an impressive feat. The Thunder enjoyed amazing durability this season as they didn’t suffer any serious injuries.

In 82 games, Holmgren averaged 16.5 points on 53% shooting, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.3 blocks. He shot 37% from 3 on 4.3 attempts. He finished runner-up for Rookie of the Year behind Wembanyama.

In 82 games, Wallace averaged 6.8 points on 49.1% shooting, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists. He shot 41.9% from 3 on 2.9 attempts.

The full All-Rookie teams’ voting results can be viewed below:

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Both Holmgren and Wallace will be key pieces of the Thunder’s core for the next several years. This season saw OKC crack open a championship window that will likely span several seasons.

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Rams 1st-rounder Jared Verse a popular projection for Defensive Rookie of the Year

Rams 1st-rounder Jared Verse a popular projection for Defensive Rookie of the Year from the analysts at ESPN

Jared Verse was not the first defensive player taken, but the Rams first-rounder is one of the early favorites to be the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024.

In a piece polling 12 different NFL analysts at ESPN, Verse was the choice of five of the experts as the top candidate to win the defensive rookie honor. Their rationale for choosing Verse over Eagles CB Quinyon Mitchell, Seahawks DT Byron Mitchell and others was pretty straightforward. From Aaron Schatz,

Four of the past five DPOY awards have gone to edge rushers, and Verse seems likely to get the most playing time of the top three edge rushers from this year’s draft.

Stephania Bell also sees a great opportunity for Verse with the Aaron Donald-less Rams,

Verse comes ready-made to slot right into the Rams’ front seven. He is talented and powerful, and the Rams’ defense needed an edge rusher who could make an immediate impact. Verse recorded a team-leading 18 sacks and 83 pressures in the past two seasons at Florida State.

Texans EDGE Will Anderson captured the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2023 after bagging seven sacks in 15 games for Houston.

Victor Wembanyama reacts to Rookie of the Year win on Inside the NBA

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama went on Inside the NBA to react to his Rookie of the Year win.

The San Antonio Spurs may not have performed well as a team last season, but Victor Wembanyama acted as a shining light at the end of the tunnel. He’s already one of the best defenders in the league, finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting, and his offense improved throughout the course of his rookie year.

With Wembanyama at the helm, the Spurs have a very bright future ahead of them. His rookie season was nothing short of incredible, and he was awarded the Rookie of the Year. But perhaps even more impressively, Wembanyama became the first-ever unanimous winner of the award.

After it was announced that Wembanyama won the award, the Frenchman went on TNT’s Inside the NBA to share his reaction with Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson.

Wembanyama is already a superstar, and it seems as though the Spurs youngster is just getting started.

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