Rhyne Howard helps lead Famila Wuber Schio to Italian Championship win

ZGeogheganKSR

Rhyne Howard is doing pretty well for herself over in Italy.

On Tuesday, the former Kentucky Wildcat, who plays for the European club Famila Wuber Schio during her offseason with the Atlanta Dream, helped her squad win the Italian Championship. Howard finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals (plus one technical foul for good measure) in 31 minutes as Schio took down Virtus Segafredo Bologna in Game 2 of the Finals, 84-79.

The victory locked up a 2-0 series victory for Schio, which won its 12th Italian Championship in the process. Schio won Game 1 on Saturday by a final score of 86-84 with Howard recording 20 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in 36 minutes of action.

Howard’s teammate, Marina Mabrey, exploded for 37 points in Tuesday’s championship clincher — the second-most ever in a title game — in front of a sold-out crowd.

Congrats @howard_rhyne ! pic.twitter.com/KABa2jxjtp
— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) May 2, 2023

After winning WNBA Rookie of the Year and being named an All-Star this past season, Howard has been making a name for herself overseas.

During 29 games played for Schio against Serie A competition this season, the one-time ‘Cat averaged 10.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per outing while shooting 43.2 percent overall and 33.9 percent from distance. Additionally, in 19 games played against Euroleague competition, Howard averaged 11.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.7 steals per game on 47.0 percent overall shooting and a 34.3 percent clip from long range.

Earlier in the season, Howard led Schio to the franchise’s third straight Italian Cup (Coppa Italia) title 14th overall. Howard finished that championship game with 20 points — including five consecutive made triples in the second quarter — during a 73-62 win over Umana Reyer Venice, even taking home MVP honors of the eight-team tournament.

After a successful first run outside of the states, Howard will now return home to quickly prepare for her second WNBA season, which will begin on Saturday, May 20 against the Dallas Wings.