How Rhyne Howard will be remembered at Kentucky
Kentucky’s historic run has come to an end, but make no mistake, Rhyne Howard is still a legend.
Howard isn’t just UK’s senior superstar, she is a cornerstone to the foundation of Kentucky Basketball. Howard’s career-long accolades could fill Memorial Coliseum. She is second on Kentucky’s all-time scoring list — men’s or women’s — only trailing Valerie Still. The 6-foot-2 guard is a two-time SEC Player of the Year, joining just nine other women ever to accomplish that.
Lastly, Howard is a winner.
Rhyne Howard on her time at Kentucky
In Howard’s four years as a Wildcat, Kentucky held an 84-38 record. Moreover, Howard was the best player on the team each season. While at UK, Howard averaged 20.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. Following Kentucky’s first-round loss to Princeton, Howard discussed her time at UK.
“It’s been fun. I don’t really look at the accomplishments or anything, it’s just the connections I’ve had with my teammates and my coaches. I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love all of them. I know that they gave their all for me today and this season,” Howard said during the postgame press conference.
Sharing the love
Howard’s love for her fellow Wildcats is mutual. When Kentucky won, Howard’s teammates eagerly pointed to her. When Kentucky lost, Howard’s teammates faithfully defended their leader. After Howard’s 17-point performance in her final game, Dre’una Edwards reflected on her relationship with the All-American.
“Yeah, Rhyne’s my dog,” Edwards said. “That’s like my sister right here. I mean, I love her, so, yeah, I love you, Rhyne.”
Howard’s teammates aren’t the only ones who admire her. Second-year head coach Kyra Elzy recruited Howard to Kentucky. After Matthew Mitchell retired, Elzy had the pleasure of being Howard’s head coach. Elzy couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity.
“She’s a once-in-a-lifetime type of player. She’s gifted. But more importantly, what she has done for Kentucky basketball,” Elzy said. “But what I’m going to miss is the person. She’s very humble, kind-hearted. I’m going to miss her coming to the office and laying on the couch and trying to see what we’re going to do for practice.”
The future is Rhyne Howard
Howard is a generational talent. In four years, fans saw Howard transform from a shy freshman to a force of nature. The Cleveland, TN native had Kentuckians checking their clocks for “Rhyne Time.” For every emphatic stomp of her foot, the BBN collectively leaped.
Howard is an icon. The 2022 First-Team All-SEC member inspired endless Kentucky kids, parents and even John Calipari. The star generated countless storylines, trends and hashtags. For goodness sake, Howard had 5,000 adults wearing paper crowns.
Nonetheless, perhaps Howard’s greatest achievement is she has remained humble. When asked about her future as a basketball player, Howard was only concerned with Kentucky’s loss.
“Right now, I’m not thinking about that. I know it’s going to come quickly but I’m just going to take some time to look back on everything that we’ve accomplished here and everything that I’ve done over these past four years and just take it all in for a minute.”
In the face of Howard’s humility, Elzy spoke on her senior’s future.
“She’s competitive. Her basketball IQ is unbelievable. But it’s her versatility at the next level. She’s a 6-2 guard with a great frame. She can play multiple positions, and I think in time she will be the face of the WNBA.”
We look forward to watching you, Rhyne, and we know you’ll make Kentucky proud.
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