Chiney Ogwumike reveals she will re-sign with Sparks for 2023 season
Chiney Ogwumike shares her expectations for her 4th season with the L.A. Sparks.
Two-time WNBA All-Star Chiney Ogwumike has actually re-signed with the Los Angeles Sparks, the ESPN analyst revealed while guest-hosting “NBA Today” on Wednesday.
Ogwumike, a previous No. 1 total draft select of Stanford in 2014, will reunite with Curt Miller, who coached her for 2 seasons with the Connecticut Sun.
“I’m not going to lie, the last 2 seasons for me have actually been the hardest seasons,” Ogwumike said on “NBA Today.”
“You all understand the peaks and valleys of basketball. But nevertheless, I’m grateful for this brand-new chapter, to be back with L.A., reunited with my previous coach, Curt Miller.
“The WNBA has genuine momentum and I’m grateful to still become part of it.”
Ogwumike, who has actually balanced 11.8 points, 6.7 rebounds in 23.9 minutes throughout her profession, pulled out of the 2020 bubble campaign and was restricted to 7 video games in 2021 since of injuries. She informed ESPN in 2015 that she invested the 2022 offseason getting to the root of her knee problems.
Last summertime, the Sparks more broadly knowledgeable chaos with the midseason shooting of coach Derek Fisher and unexpected departure of four-time All-Star Liz Cambage ahead of their playoff push.
For the very first time considering that 1997 and 1998, the three-time champ Sparks missed out on the playoffs for successive seasons.
Aside from working with Miller this previous spring, the Sparks have had an interesting offseason, trading for guard Jasmine Thomas and forward Dearica Hamby. The previous is coming off an ACL tear while the latter says she plans to play this summertime after delivering in the coming weeks. Los Angeles likewise made headings by signing complimentary representatives Azura Stevens and Stephanie Talbot, however the latter just recently tore her ACL playing in Australia and will not dress for the Sparks as she rehabs the injury.
The Sparks likewise are anticipated to quickly re-sign Chiney’s sibling, 2016 MVP Nneka Ogwumike.
“I am thrilled to be reunited with Chiney here in Los Angeles,” Miller said in a declaration. “Chiney is an extremely efficient and effective gamer who likewise fits the culture that we wish to develop in the locker room. She has fun with a fantastic motor and will supply valued energy to our group. Her offending effectiveness and protective flexibility will help us on both ends of the flooring.”
Ogwumike likewise consented to a brand-new offer with ESPN in October in which she will start calling NBA video games in addition to her functions on “NBA Today” and “NBA Countdown.”
“The hardest thing for me is individuals ask ‘oh, you still play?’ or ‘you have not retired?’ since a great deal of individuals just see me through one capability, from 12-1 on air,” Ogwumike informed ESPN in April. “They’re not seeing the 5-9… People acknowledge I’m a professional athlete, which’s why I have a voice, however I desire individuals to acknowledge that I still wish to complete and win.”
