Move over Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese: The WNBA breakout player of 2024 plays for the Sparks
After years of steady growth, this LA player emerges as the breakout player of the WNBA season
Dearica Hamby stood amid a huddle of Los Angeles Sparks teammates , the pain of their latest loss still fresh. Despite taking a double-digit lead over the struggling Washington Mystics , the Sparks faltered in the fourth quarter, extending their losing streak to eight games. As the final buzzer echoed around the arena, Hamby’s message to her team was firm and simple: ” Next game .”
Hamby’s calm confidence may sound like a typical postgame cliché, but it speaks to her deeper journey. The sixth overall pick in the 2015 draft by the San Antonio Stars, later the Las Vegas Aces , Hamby’s career has been marked by patience and maturity. Her tenure with the Aces has earned her two Sixth Player of the Year awards and two All-Star selections.
A significant turnaround came when Hamby was traded to the Sparks after announcing her pregnancy during the Aces’ 2022 championship celebrations. Initially playing a secondary role behind MVP Nneka Ogwumike and center Azurá Stevens , Hamby seized her opportunity this season. With career-high averages of 18.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists , she emerged as the Sparks’ star.
“I envisioned it. I stated it ,” Hamby said of her stellar performance. “ The consistency and getting the job done night after night is something I’m proud of .” Her resilience and tenacity have made her a key leader for the team.
Ogwumike’s move to the Seattle Storm in free agency opened doors for Hamby. Conversations with former player development coach Nola Henry , now an assistant coach for the Sparks, were crucial. Henry calls this season Hamby’s “revenge tour,” a chance for her to get better.
Hamby’s overseas experience fuels breakout season
Playing overseas during the offseason was important for Hamby, not only financially but also mentally. It boosted her confidence, setting the stage for a strong start to the WNBA season . She made an impact with 20 points and 14 rebounds in the season opener, followed by a career-high 29 points against the Aces.
Teammate Kia Nurse praised Hamby’s leadership and energy. ” Dearica’s talent has always been there. Now, in a lead role, she’s flourishing ,” Nurse said. Hamby’s nurturing leadership style, influenced by her experiences as a mother, is especially effective.
Despite the team’s struggles, including a 4-15 record and key injuries, Hamby’s patience and resilience have not wavered. Head coach Curt Miller emphasized her responsibility, noting how sore and tired she was from carrying the team.
Looking back on her time with the Aces , Hamby now has a good grasp of what it takes to be a star player. “ I didn’t understand what A’ja Wilson was going through at the time. Being that player for your team is a challenge ,” Hamby admits. However, her experience with the Aces provided a blueprint for leading the Sparks through tough times.
Hamby’s ultimate goal is clear: to lead the Sparks from the bottom of the standings to a WNBA championship . ” Patience is my strength ,” Hamby said. She remains confident in her ability to lead her team through the rebuilding process, understanding that success takes time.
