John Calipari, Kyra Elzy congratulate Rhyne Howard on winning Rookie of the Year
Rhyne Howard knew from the moment she stepped on a WNBA court that she belonged. By the time her professional debut had ended, she proved it to everyone in attendance. By the end of the season, Howard proved it to the world.
The former Kentucky Wildcat turned Atlanta Dream guard was named the WNBA Rookie of the Year on Thursday. It put the cap on what was an undeniably great first go-around in the league. Howard won the Eastern Conference Player of the Week Award to open the season, swept the Rookie of the Month honors, made the All-Star Game, and broke plenty of records along the way, validating her status as the No. 1 overall pick.
To celebrate her incredible season, Atlanta Dream head coach Tanisha Wright sat down with Howard to announce the news that she had been tabbed Rookie of the Year. The two watched a video of several players and coaches congratulating Howard on the award, including two familiar faces: John Calipari and Kyra Elzy.
The exchange will put a smile on your face.
Elzy: “Congrats Rhyne, WNBA Rookie of the Year. Enjoy the moment, you have worked so hard. Like we always say at Kentucky: Crown Her. We love you!”
Calipari: “Congratulations Rhyne. Rookie of the Year. You spent a lot of time in our gym and I tried to get you on the court for me.”
Wright: “He did?”
Howard: “He did.”
Calipari: “So proud of you, keep doing your thing girl. Go get it done.”
Howard: “That was sweet.”
The rest of the clip is Wright and Howard talking about her impressive season and what it was like, but ended it with how there is still much more work to be done. Watch it below.
Howard finished her rookie year averaging 16.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.6 steals while starting all 34 games she appeared in. This fall, she will continue her basketball season overseas with Famila Wuber Schio, an Italian women’s basketball team that plays in Italy’s Serie A and the EuroLeague.
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