Move over Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese: The WNBA breakout player of 2024 plays for the Sparks
Dearica Hamby stood in the center of her huddled Los Angeles Sparks teammates, the sting of their latest loss still fresh. Despite leading by double digits against the struggling Washington Mystics, the Sparks faltered in the fourth quarter, extending their losing streak to eight games. As the final buzzer echoed through the arena, Hamby's message to her team was resolute and simple: "Next game."
Hamby's calm confidence might sound like a standard post-game platitude, but it speaks to her deeper journey. Selected sixth overall in the 2015 draft by the San Antonio Stars, later the Las Vegas Aces, Hamby's career has been marked by patience and growth. Her tenure with the Aces earned her two Sixth Player of the Year awards and two All-Star selections.
A significant twist came when Hamby was traded to the Sparks after announcing her pregnancy during the Aces' championship celebration in 2022. Initially playing a secondary role behind MVP Nneka Ogwumike and center Azurá Stevens, Hamby seized her opportunity this season. Averaging career highs of 18.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, she has emerged as the star of the Sparks.
"I envisioned this. I declared it," Hamby said of her standout performance. "Consistency and delivery night after night is something I take pride in." Her resilience and perseverance have transformed her into a key leader for her team.
https://www.marca.com/en/basketball/wnba/los-angeles-sparks/2024/07/06/6688d50546163f74648b4582.html