Ogwumike Selected in WNBA Draft
4/17/2020 7:45:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Will join Minnesota Lynx after trade with New York
HOUSTON – Erica Ogwumike, one of the most decorated players in Rice women's basketball history, was selected by the New York Liberty in the third round (26th overall) of the 2020 WNBA Draft on Friday, before having her rights traded to the Minnesota Lynx.
The reigning back-to-back Conference USA Player of the Year, Ogwumike earned WBCA All-American Honorable Mention honors this past season by averaging 19 points and 10.3 rebounds while totaling 13 double-doubles.
Ogwumike became the fourth Owl in school history to be drafted since the league began in 1997 and the 13th WNBA draft pick developed by Rice head coach Tina Langley.
"Tonight we celebrate Erica Ogwumike," Langley said. "Since I have known her, Erica has approached each day with relentless discipline, passion, and dedication in the pursuit of her goals. But as I have said many times, there is nothing more impressive than her consistency of character and her beautiful spirit.
"Minnesota is getting a tremendously talented player and remarkable young woman.
"We wish Erica a long and successful WNBA career, and we thank her for all that she has done for Rice University, our community, and for all the little girls out there who wonder if it's possible to have big dreams for their career and big dreams for basketball.
"Congratulations to Erica and to the entire Ogwumike family. We love you all, and we are celebrating with you."
A member of the illustrious 2,000 points/1,000 rebounds club, Ogwumike concluded her three-year Rice career ranked first in scoring average (17.7 ppg), second in rebounding average (10.1 rpg), third in free throw percentage (81.4%), fourth in made free throws (421), fifth in rebounds (905) and sixth in total points (1,597).
Ogwumike earned C-USA First Team All-Conference honors three times and was twice selected to the C-USA All-Defensive Team, as well as the C-USA Newcomer of the Year in 2017-18.
Ogwumike shined equally as bright in the classroom, earning CoSIDA Academic First Team All-American honors and a three-time C-USA All-Academic Team honoree. In addition to her basketball achievements, Ogwumike was also accepted into medical school.
In her career, Ogwumike helped the Owls to two conference titles and 72 wins over the last three seasons, the greatest stretch in program history.
The reigning back-to-back Conference USA Player of the Year, Ogwumike earned WBCA All-American Honorable Mention honors this past season by averaging 19 points and 10.3 rebounds while totaling 13 double-doubles.
Ogwumike became the fourth Owl in school history to be drafted since the league began in 1997 and the 13th WNBA draft pick developed by Rice head coach Tina Langley.
"Tonight we celebrate Erica Ogwumike," Langley said. "Since I have known her, Erica has approached each day with relentless discipline, passion, and dedication in the pursuit of her goals. But as I have said many times, there is nothing more impressive than her consistency of character and her beautiful spirit.
"Minnesota is getting a tremendously talented player and remarkable young woman.
"We wish Erica a long and successful WNBA career, and we thank her for all that she has done for Rice University, our community, and for all the little girls out there who wonder if it's possible to have big dreams for their career and big dreams for basketball.
"Congratulations to Erica and to the entire Ogwumike family. We love you all, and we are celebrating with you."
A member of the illustrious 2,000 points/1,000 rebounds club, Ogwumike concluded her three-year Rice career ranked first in scoring average (17.7 ppg), second in rebounding average (10.1 rpg), third in free throw percentage (81.4%), fourth in made free throws (421), fifth in rebounds (905) and sixth in total points (1,597).
Ogwumike earned C-USA First Team All-Conference honors three times and was twice selected to the C-USA All-Defensive Team, as well as the C-USA Newcomer of the Year in 2017-18.
Ogwumike shined equally as bright in the classroom, earning CoSIDA Academic First Team All-American honors and a three-time C-USA All-Academic Team honoree. In addition to her basketball achievements, Ogwumike was also accepted into medical school.
In her career, Ogwumike helped the Owls to two conference titles and 72 wins over the last three seasons, the greatest stretch in program history.
-RiceOwls.com-
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