The 2023 WNBA All-Star Game showcased the incredible talents of Nigerian basketball stars Arike Ogunbowale and Nneka Ogwumike, as they both secured spots on the prestigious All-Star team.
Arike Ogunbowale, the dynamic guard from the Dallas Wings, left an indelible mark on the game by earning the coveted title of the 2021 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game MVP. With an outstanding performance that included a game-high 26 points, Ogunbowale led the WNBA All-Stars to a resounding victory over the formidable USA Basketball Women’s National Team.
Ogunbowale’s remarkable achievements come as no surprise, considering her consistent excellence on the court. Throughout her impressive career, she has consistently ranked among the league’s top five scorers. In 2020, she even claimed the coveted title of the league’s scoring leader.
The 2023 season has been no different, with Ogunbowale currently sitting in third place for scoring, boasting an average of 22.7 points per game. Additionally, her sharpshooting abilities have placed her second in made threes.
Ogunbowale’s scoring prowess has been on full display, as she has recorded at least 30 points in an astounding 14 consecutive games, establishing herself as the player with the most such performances since her arrival in the league in 2019. A shining example of her scoring prowess came on June 17 when she set a career-high with 41 points against the Seattle Storm.
While Ogunbowale has participated in three previous All-Star games, her selection as a starter this year marks a significant milestone in her career. In fact, she recently etched her name in the history books by becoming the fifth player in WNBA history to surpass 2500 career points during a game against the New York Liberty on June 11.
Her exceptional performances have also earned her accolades beyond the All-Star recognition. She was named the Western Conference Player of the Week on May 30 and followed it up with the prestigious title of the Kia Western Conference Player of the Month on May 31.
Nneka Ogwumike, a seasoned veteran of the Los Angeles Sparks, also showcased her prowess at the All-Star Game. This marked her second consecutive year as a starter for the event. Known for her rebounding prowess, Ogwumike currently ranks fifth in the league with an average of 9.5 rebounds per game.
Additionally, she has demonstrated her scoring abilities by securing the sixth spot for scoring, with an impressive 19.7 points per game—a total on par with her career-high achieved during her MVP season in 2016. Ogwumike’s impact extends beyond her individual stats, as she played a pivotal role in helping the Sparks secure the 2016 WNBA championship.
Ogwumike’s versatility on the court is undeniable. She has registered six double-doubles so far, showcasing her ability to dominate in multiple aspects of the game. Shooting at an impressive 51.2% from the field, Ogwumike’s efficiency is commendable. Moreover, her defensive skills have been instrumental in the Sparks’ success, evidenced by her leading the team with 507 steals.
Ogwumike’s illustrious career boasts numerous accolades, including being a five-time All-WNBA Team selection, the 2016 WNBA MVP, a seven-time All-Star, a four-time All-WNBA Team member, a five-time All-Defensive Team member, and a three-time recipient of the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award.
