Sparks F Dearica Hamby wins Sportsmanship Award

Field Level Media|published: Wed 2nd October, 16:47 2024

Sep 17, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Sparks forward Dearica Hamby (5) reacts against the Phoenix Mercury in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Forward Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks won the 2024 Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award, the WNBA announced on Wednesday.

Hamby, 30, is a first-time recipient of the award, named for the late Kim Perrot, who succumbed to cancer in August 1999 after helping the Houston Comets win the WNBA title in 1997 and 1998.

The award is given annually to a WNBA player who displays ethical behavior, integrity and fair play on the court -- the ideals of sportsmanship.

"I am incredibly grateful to be recognized with the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award," said Hamby said. "This is especially meaningful at this point in my career because it represents values that go beyond winning and to be recognized for that means a lot to me. Being on this list alongside some of the most highly respected players in our league is truly humbling."

In her 10th season, Hamby averaged career highs in points (17.3), rebounds (9.2) and assists (3.5) per game. Starting all 40 games, she earned her third All-Star selection while leading the Sparks in points and rebounds.

Hamby, who was the WNBA's Sixth Player of the Year in 2019 and 2020, received 12 votes, finishing ahead of Las Vegas Aces forward Alysha Clark (nine), Connecticut Sun forward Brionna Jones (eight), Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (six) and Washington Mystics guard Ariel Atkins (six).

--Field Level Media

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