Rhyne Howard motivated by drop in latest WNBA Draft projections

Rhyne Howard had a little extra fuel in Kentucky’s win on Sunday… Not that she needed it.

In Kentucky’s 78-55 victory over Arkansas, Howard had a standout performance. The All-American dropped 29 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Howard shot 9-16 from the field and 5-10 from beyond the arc.

.@howard_rhyne is going OFF 🔥 #CrownHer

Hits a 3 ➡️ steal ➡️ jumper

📺 @SECNetwork
📱 https://t.co/fv4UwxExrZ pic.twitter.com/Pf9JzJimyW

— Kentucky WBB (@KentuckyWBB) February 20, 2022

Rhyne Howard on the new draft projections

As Kentucky’s season lies in the balance, Howard’s determination is at an all-time high. However, after ESPN dropped Howard to pick No. 2 in their new WNBA mock draft, Howard found untapped motivation.

“I did look at it, but at this point, it’s always something when it comes to me. I mean, yeah it’s motivation, and somebody always has something to say,” Howard said during the postgame press conference on Sunday. “I’m gonna keep going out here and playing basketball like I know how to play.”

The new mock draft was written by ESPN’s Mechelle Voepel, who replaced Howard at the No. 1 pick with Baylor star NaLysaa Smith. Voepel wrote her reasoning behind the move.

“Howard’s passivity at times in games have raised enough questions to move her out of the No. 1 spot,” Voepel wrote. “No one doubts Howard’s sheer talent, but the two-time SEC player of the year hasn’t always seized the moment in games, or has done so too late.”

Kyra Elzy discusses her superstar’s mentality

Howard didn’t wait to seize the moment on Sunday. The reigning SEC Player of the Year had 16 points in the first half alone, making her first three 3-pointers of the game.

3⃣/3⃣ from 3⃣ for @howard_rhyne and it's only the first quarter 😳

📺 @SECNetwork
📱 https://t.co/fv4UwxExrZ#CommitToIt pic.twitter.com/sZ3Sjm3tdM

— Kentucky WBB (@KentuckyWBB) February 20, 2022

Head coach Kyra Elzy believes Voepel’s comments possibly played a role in Howard’s explosive performance.

“She’s a competitor. She wants to be the best, and she is the best and, if they tuned in today, they’ll see why,” Elzy said. “I’m glad that she remains modest and humble, and let her work speak for her.”

Howard’s work is speaking volumes. When the 6-foot-2 guard scores 20 or more points, Kentucky is 8-0 this season. Furthermore, in Kentucky’s four-game win streak, Howard has a team-high +/- of +58.

Kentucky reunion in Indiana?

Oddly enough, Howard’s drop in the draft projections may lead to her being reunited with a familiar face. Earlier this month, Kentucky lost special assistant to the head coach Lin Dunn to the Indiana Fever. Dunn, who was at Kentucky since 2016, is the new interim general manager for the Fever.

How does this all connect? The Indiana Fever possess the No. 2 pick in the upcoming 2022 WNBA Draft. Familiar with Howard’s work, Dunn may want to spend some more time with the superstar. Nonetheless, Howard is keeping her mind on the present.

“I’m focusing on myself and my team right now. Whatever happens in the future, happens in the future,” Howard said. “Either way, I’m still going to be playing in the league. Can’t complain about 1 or 2.“

Message received. Howard will have a few days to rest before Kentucky hits the road again to face Missouri on Thursday at 8 p.m. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network+.