Nneka Ogwumike Named 2023 WNBA All-Star Starter
Published on June 25, 2023 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Los Angeles Sparks News Release
LOS ANGELES - The WNBA announced today that LA Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike was named a 2023 WNBA All-Star starter for the second consecutive season. She earns All-Star honors for the eighth time in her WNBA career. The 10 starters were selected by a combination of fan voting (50%), media voting (25%), and player voting (25%). Ogwumike has started and appeared in 12 of 13 Sparks games this season. She is averaging 19.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and career high 3.5 assists per game - comparable to her league MVP season in 2016. She's shooting 51.2% from the field, has recorded six double-doubles, and is now the LA Sparks all-time franchise leader in steals with 507. For the 14th time in her career, Ogwumike was named Western Conference Player of the Week for games played May 29 - June 4.
"It's one of the ultimate honors," said Nneka Ogwumike on being named a starter for the 19th All-Star game to be held at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on July 15. "Being named a starter or an All-Star at all is always a blessing. I am humbled to be able to play alongside such talented, professional women showcasing their amazing skills and athleticism to the fans."
Ogwumike's numbers rank her 7th in the WNBA in points per game, 5th in rebounds per game, 9th in steals per game, 6th in player efficiency, and 9th in both field goal and 3-point percentage. She's scored in double-figures in 11 games this season, has eclipsed 20-points seven times, and scored a season-high 27 points on June 3 against the Seattle Storm.
"No one is more deserving of this honor," said LA Sparks Head Coach, Curt Miller. "Nneka is the consummate leader on and off the court, and I am thrilled that she is recognized for her outstanding start to the season and will represent the LA Sparks at this year's All-Star game."
Ogwumike's career accolades include being the 2016 WNBA MVP, 2016 WNBA Champion, seven-time All-Star, four-time All-WNBA Team member, five-time All-Defensive team member, and a three-time Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award winner. In 2021, she was named to the WNBA's 25th Anniversary Team, recognizing the Top 25 players in league history. In addition, Ogwumike is in her third term as WNBA Players Association president.
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