LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Sparks re-signed WNBA All-Star forward Nneka Ogwumike, executive vice president and general manager Penny Toler announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We are very excited about Nneka extending her career with the Sparks,” said head coach Brian Agler. “She has proven to be a consistent WNBA All Star, has played on the USA National team, and most importantly, she has proven to be a great team and community leader. She is a tremendous competitor and is respected by all who know her and watch her play. Despite multiple injuries last season, she worked hard to improve her craft, and in doing so, was named to the WNBA All Defensive team. I believe her best basketball days are still ahead of her.”
The three-time WNBA All-Star owns career averages of 15.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals in 123 career games played (all starts). The 6’2 forward averaged a career-high 16.5 points, 2.1 assists and 5.2 defensive rebounds per game while leading the WNBA in minutes played (34.1 mpg) last season. She also set career-highs in free throws made (14) and defensive rebounds (14), set 2015 individual single-game highs in total rebounds (19), offensive rebounds (6) and defensive rebounds (14) and was named to the WNBA’s 2015 All-Defensive Team.
During her rookie season she led all rookies in points (14.0 ppg), rebounds (7.5 rpg), blocked shots (0.9 bpg) and double-doubles (9) and finished second in field goal percentage (.535) and fourth in steals (1.4 spg). She was named a four-time WNBA Rookie of the Month, WNBA All-Rookie Team and was named the 2012 WNBA Rookie of the Year (marking the then fifth consecutive season a No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft won the ROY award).
The first overall selection in the 2012 WNBA Draft, Ogwumike has played all four seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks. She is a 2015 All-Defensive First Team and 2014 All-WNBA Second Team honoree.
The Sparks 20th season, presented by EquiTrust, will tip-off in May 2016. For Sparks season and group tickets, in all lower-bowl sections of STAPLES Center, call 844-GO-SPARKS or visit LASparks.com. The LA Sparks can be found on all social media outlets at @la_Sparks.