Rhyne Howard Closes Out Her Second Year in the WNBA

Kentucky women’s basketball alum Rhyne Howard just closed out her second year in the WNBA. Howard was the first overall pick in the 2022 draft by the Atlanta Dream (19-21), where she averaged 16.2 points per game across 34 contests as a rookie. Her numbers jumped across the board in year two though, up to 17.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per contest.

Before getting into Howard’s career in the WNBA, we should go back in time and take a look at the time spent at Kentucky.

Howard’s History at Kentucky

The Tennessee native began her time at Kentucky in 2018, where she quickly became the unanimous SEC Freshman of the Year. Howard had a historically successful freshman season averaging 16.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game for the ‘Cats. Howard was SEC Freshman of the Week eight times, setting the school and league record for most by one player. She led her team in scoring and rebounding, making her only the second freshman in UK history to do so. It became clear that UK had struck gold with Howard, a five-star recruit out of high school, and she definitely proved it over the next three years.

During her sophomore season, Howard finished second nationally in scoring with 23.4 points per game, and once again, led her team in rebounds. Howard added to her success with 3-pointers, putting up 3.1 made 3s per game. The guard scored her career-best 43 points at Alabama and didn’t stop there. Howard was consistently putting up double-digits: 37 against Tennessee, 28 at South Carolina, 26 at LSU, and many more. Towards the end of the season, Howard fractured her left pinky and spent three games recovering until mid-February. Howard was back in action scoring 20 points and securing three rebounds and two assists at Arkansas. She also surpassed 1,000 career points, becoming the second fastest in program history.

As a junior, Howard displayed her all-around talents, proving she was more than just a shooter. While averaging 20.7 points per game, Howard also averaged 7.3 rebounds. She recorded 90 assists and 60 steals in only 24 games. Howard scored 30 or more points four times during this season against SEC opponents (Mississippi State, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia).

During her senior year, Howard displayed a new level of athleticism. She recorded her 2,000th point, becoming the third Wildcat in history to do this in less than 100 games. She concluded her senior season with 2,290 career points, putting her second in UK history in scoring behind only Valerie Still. Howard graduated from UK also recording her first career triple-double against Winthrop with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. Howard led her team through the SEC tournament, scoring 88 points over four games. The ‘Cats were victorious in an upset win in the SEC Championship over No. 1 South Carolina, the program’s first conference title in 40 years. Howard had 18 points, four rebounds, and two assists.

During her time at UK, Howard shattered records and became one of the most decorated Kentucky WBB players ever. Throughout all of this success, Howard found herself as the No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft. She was also the first-ever No. 1 pick in Kentucky women’s basketball history.

From Lexington with the ‘Cats to Atlanta with the Dream

On April 11, 2022, Rhyne Howard was drafted to the Atlanta Dream, a team with a disappointing past looking for their breakthrough star. Howard was exactly what they needed.

Pre-Rhyne Howard, the Dream was consistently finishing with a losing record, their most recent being an 8-24 record in 2021. With most of their roster being 29 and older, the Dream was in need of some fresh talent: a tall, fast guard with a knack for shooting.

Howard began the season under coach Tanisha Wright, a 12-year veteran of the WNBA and former assistant coach to the Las Vegas Aces. Howard averaged 16.2 points and 4.5 rebounds over 34 games. She led her team to a major improvement finishing 14-22. Howard was named Rookie of the Year (sweeping Rookie of the Month awards) and the Dream entered what is now referred to as “The Rhyne Howard Era.”

The Rhyne Howard Era

This past season, Howard shined on the court. Alongside Middle Tennessee alum Cheyenne Parker, Howard found her way into the spotlight. Over 39 games, Howard averaged 17.5 points and 4.5 rebounds. The Dream also played in their first WNBA Playoffs since 2019. Although the Dream fell to the Dallas Wings in the first round 2-0, Howard’s postseason stats were more than impressive.

The 23-year-old scored a whopping 57 points in two games, along with recording seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals. The Dream finished their regular season schedule 19-21, another major improvement from the previous season. Howard was also named to the WNBA All-Star Team for the second straight year, as did two of her teammates (Cheyenne Parker and Allisha Gray). Howard posted a photo of her on Instagram donning sunglasses and her all-black All-Star uniform. She included the Bible verse Psalm 46:5, “God is within her, she will not fall.”

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So, what’s next for the Dream and “The Rhyne Howard Era?”

After adding Haley Jones (Stanford), Laeticia Amihere (South Carolina), and Leigha Brown (Michigan), the Dream is looking to continue its rebuilding. Rhyne Howard has the talent and athleticism to lead her team to yet another WNBA Playoffs, and we will definitely be seeing much more from her in the coming year.