By Doug Feinberg
Associated Press
NEW YORK — Breanna Stewart of the Seattle Storm was named the Associated Press WNBA Rookie of the Year on Tuesday.
The award was chosen by a 14-member media panel.
Stewart, the top pick in this year’s WNBA draft out of UConn, averaged 18.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game during the regular season. She recorded the third-highest point total ever for a rookie (621) and collected 277 defensive rebounds to break the record of 276 set by Lisa Leslie in 2004.
Stewart was the only rookie named to the AP’s WNBA first team. She was joined by Nneka Ogwumike of Los Angeles, Tina Charles of New York, Maya Moore of Minnesota and Elena Delle Donne of Chicago.
Seattle point guard Sue Bird made the second team along with Diana Taurasi of Phoenix, Angel McCoughtry of Atlanta, Candace Parker of Los Angeles and Sylvia Fowles of Minnesota.
Stewart also headlined the all-rookie team. She was joined by Moriah Jefferson of San Antonio, Aerial Powers of Dallas, Imani Boyette of Chicago and Tiffany Mitchell of Indiana.
Ogwumike, the league’s most valuable player, put up career numbers this season for Los Angeles and was arguably the most consistent impact player in the league.
“It’s special that there are different perspectives on so many things we do,” Ogwumike said in a phone interview.” Players, coaches, GMs, media. It’s interesting to see the support coming from all different angles.”
She averaged 19.7 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists and shot 66.5 percent from the field, helping lead the Sparks to the second best record in the WNBA and a bye until the semifinals of the playoffs.
“It’s a great thing for someone like Nneka to win an award like this as it shows that hard work and perseverance and continuing to develop your game can elevate you to superstar status,” said Los Angeles coach and former Storm skpper Brian Agler, who was named the AP’s coach of the year.
Agler narrowly edged Minnesota’s Cheryl Reeve for coach of the year honors, and Los Angeles also had the sixth woman of the year in Jantel Lavender.
Atlanta’s Elizabeth Williams was voted the most improved player. She was traded in the offseason from Connecticut to the Dream and helped them reach the playoffs.
“The change of scenery is the first main thing that would pop up,” said Williams on the biggest difference for her this year. “I think coming to this team, coach (Michael) Cooper having a lot of confidence in me in the beginning. Getting healthy and playing overseas in Turkey also helped me gain some confidence.”
Connecticut’s Chiney Ogwumike earned comeback player of the year honors after recovering from microfracture surgery in her right knee that sidelined her last year.
“There’s nothing more humbling than coming back from an injury,” said Chiney Ogwumike. “Being named comeback player of the year means the absolute world to me because, like many athletes who fall down, we keep fighting to not only get back up, but also to exceed expectations.”
Minnesota’s Sylvia Fowles was defensive player of the year while leading the Lynx to one of the top-rated defenses in the league.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
