Nigerian-born sensation, Nneka Ogwumike has been named among the 25 best players in USA’s Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) league since inception 25 years ago.
Ogwumike, who plays for Los Angeles Sparks, but was declared ineligible to play for D’Tigress at this year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, scored high in the ratings, as the WNBA released a list of the greatest players to appear in the league.
Megasportsarena.com gathered that the roll call, as chosen by a select panel, collated statistics and data on the top 25 stars of the league’s first 25 seasons, including citations for 10 current leading performers.
The survey was conducted to celebrates the WNBA’s landmark 25th season, with Ogwumike named among the highly celebrated ‘The W25,’ who have together amassed 167 All-Star appearances and 23 of the league’s 24 MVP awards to date.
The full roll call of 15 retired players and 10 current players has Seimone Augustus, Swin Cash, Tamika Catchings, Cynthia Cooper, Yolanda Griffith, Becky Hammon, Lauren Jackson, Lisa Leslie, Maya Moore, Ticha Penicheiro, Cappie Pondexter and Katie Smith.
Others are Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson, Lindsay Whalen, Sue Bird, Tina Charles, Elena Delle Donne, Sylvia Fowles, Brittney Griner, Angel McCoughtry, Nneka Ogwumike, Candace Parker, Breanna Stewart and Diana Taurasi.
Ogwumike and the other 24 players were chosen from a group of 72 athletes for their contributions to the game and a select panel of media members and women’s basketball pioneers voted for the 25 players.
WNBA commissioner, Cathy Engelbert said all the icons have played the game at the highest level on the court, excelling as top scorers and rebounders, assist makers, defensive stoppers, leaders and mentors in the community.
A citation for Ogwumike, who has been with The Sparks since 2012, noted that the 2016 most valuable player is a five-time All-Star WNBA and All-Defensive team selection inductee, who won a championship with her Los Angeles-based side in 2016.
She has also won the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award the last two seasons and the 2018 WNBA season-long WNBA Community Assist Award, after earlier been named Rookie of the Year in 2012.
Ogwumike, who currently serves as president of the WNBPA, responded with glee, saying: “I am so grateful to have my name listed amongst past and present legends who’ve pioneered the W over these amazing 25 years.
“What I’ve been able to contribute to the game along with the phenomenal women of this league through generations is one of my greatest accomplishments.
“As an athlete on the court, I’m proud of my career and hope to continue to leave a legacy of greatness. Being recognised for any impact I’ve made is a true honour.”
