Liberty’s Onyenwere named top rookie

New York forward deserving of coveted WNBA accolade

October 6, 2021 John Torenli, Sports Editor

Liberty forward Michaela Onyenwere was named the WNBA's Rookie of the Year on Tuesday. AP Photo by Adam Hunger

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What was a foregone conclusion became a reality Tuesday as New York Liberty forward Michaela Onyenwere was named the WNBA Rookie of the Year.

“I’m so honored to be the 2021 WNBA Rookie of the Year,” said New York’s first-round pick in this year’s WNBA Draft. “To say that I am blessed to be in this position would be an understatement.

“Since I was drafted, I’ve always said that I couldn’t have been placed in a better situation,” she added. “The people, the culture, and the organization have all been second to none and my experience so far has been so fulfilling.”

Onyenwere also went a long way toward helping the Liberty fulfill their goals this past season.

New York reached the postseason for the first time since 2017. The Liberty finished with the worst record in the league the previous two years, but went 12-20 before losing to Phoenix in a one-game playoff last week.

Onyenwere only logged nine minutes in that contest, but her contributions throughout the campaign were appreciated by the organization, her teammates and coaches.

“When we drafted Michaela, we knew that she was coming to New York ready-made for this league,” said Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb.

“Her athleticism paired with her determination to help the team on both ends of the floor, simply can’t be taught. We are proud that she is in the Liberty family and excited to witness her growth as her professional career continues.”

Onyenwere won Rookie of the Month honors all four times it was awarded during the season, becoming just the fifth player to accomplish that lofty feat before receiving the award.

She is also the first Liberty player to receive the honor after leading all WNBA first-year players in points per game (8.6) and minutes per contest (22.5) while ripping down 2.9 rebounds a game.

“Michaela is one of the most unselfish, hardest working young players I’ve ever had the pleasure of coaching,” said Liberty Head Coach Walt Hopkins.

“Winning our franchise’s first ever Rookie of the Year award is a massive accomplishment in its own right, but the most impressive part is the fact that Mic never chased stats or sought recognition.”

Rookie of the Year Michaela Onyenwere was tenacious on defense and led all first-year players in scoring for the Liberty this year. AP Photo by Noah K. Murray

Onyenwere admitted that unlike most rookies, she actually had a chance to compete and strive against the best womens basketball players in the world.

“I’m just grateful to be in this position,” she said. “This is a testament to how much the coaches believe in us. I love the coaching staff. They put me in a position to be successful.”

And her coach feels the same way about her.

“She was able to get herself to this point by simply doing what her team needed her to do every single day,” Hopkins noted.

“We couldn’t be more proud of her, and we’re beyond thankful to have her with us on this journey.”

That journey will continue next season, when Onyenwere will drop her rookie status and look to gain her first career All-Star berth.

And help New York grab its first-ever WNBA title.

New York’s DiDi Richards was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team alongside teammate and Rookie of the Year Michaela Onyenwere Tuesday. AP Photo by Adam Hunger

GIVE ME LIBERTY: Onyenwere wasn’t the only Liberty player receiving rookie accolades Tuesday. Fellow first-year slasher DiDi Richards was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team. “It’s an honor to be named to this year’s All Rookie Team alongside some amazing athletes who are the future of the WNBA,” said Richards. “Thanks to my teammates, coaches, support staff, and my family for all of their support. I’m excited to continue working on my game this offseason and look forward to 2022.” Selected 17th overall in the draft, Richards led all rookies with a 45 percent (10-for-22) shooting average from 3-point range. The 2021 WNBA All-Rookie Team also features Onyenwere, Atlanta’s Aari McDonald, Chicago’s Dana Evans and Dallas’ Charli Collier.