Arike Ogunbowale is an American professional basketball player who plays guard for the Dallas Wings in the WNBA. Renowned for her clutch performances, elite scoring, and leadership, she is one of the most dynamic and recognizable players in women’s basketball.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Arike Ogunbowale
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Date of Birth: March 2, 1997
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Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Height: 5’9″ (1.73 m)
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Weight: 165 lbs (74 kg)
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Position: Guard
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Heritage: Nigerian (Yoruba descent)
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Family: Youngest of three children; mother Yolanda Block Ogunbowale was a softball pitcher at DePaul University, father Gregory Ogunbowale served in the Nigerian military and played soccer and rugby; brother Dare is an NFL running back
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High School: Divine Savior Holy Angels High School
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Led team to 2015 Wisconsin Division 1 state championship
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Scored a record 55 points in a state semifinal
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Three-time Gatorade Wisconsin High School Player of the Year
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McDonald’s All-American, Wisconsin Miss Basketball
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College Career: Notre Dame (2015–2019)
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All-time leading scorer at Notre Dame (2,626 points)
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Most career made field goals (954)
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Most career games with double-digit points (127)
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Started 102 consecutive games (second most in program history)
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NCAA Champion (2018)
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Hit game-winning shots in both the Final Four and national championship game
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Named Final Four Most Outstanding Player
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2018 ACC Female Athlete of the Year
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Naismith Trophy semifinalist, All-American, ACC First Team All-Conference
WNBA Career
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Drafted: 5th overall, 2019 WNBA Draft by Dallas Wings
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Teams: Dallas Wings (2019–present)
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Career Highlights:
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WNBA All-Star Game MVP (2021, 2024)
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All-WNBA First Team (2020)
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All-WNBA Second Team (2021)
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WNBA regular-season scoring leader (2020, 22.8 ppg)
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Top-five league scorer every season since rookie year
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Shares WNBA record for consecutive games with 30+ points (4)
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Only rookie with multiple 35+ point games in a season
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All-Rookie Team (2019), Runner-up for Rookie of the Year (2019)
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2023 Western Conference Player of the Month (May)
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Scored 35 points in a single game multiple times
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Stats (recent seasons):
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2022: 19.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists per game
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2023: Led team in scoring, season-high 35 points
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2024: All-Star Game MVP (34 points, 6 assists in second half)
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International: Played overseas in Turkey and Russia
Off-Court Highlights
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Appeared on season 26 of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars
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Active in community service, including Special Olympics and Ronald McDonald House
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Elite scorer and clutch performer
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Quick, explosive guard with excellent ball-handling
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High basketball IQ and leadership
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Reliable in big moments
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Style:
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Dynamic, fearless guard who thrives under pressure
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Brings energy, scoring, and a winning mentality
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FAQs About Arike Ogunbowale
What position does Arike Ogunbowale play?
Guard
Which team does she play for?
Dallas Wings (WNBA)
How old is Arike Ogunbowale?
28 (born March 2, 1997)
What are her main achievements?
NCAA champion, Final Four Most Outstanding Player, WNBA All-Star MVP (twice), All-WNBA First Team, WNBA scoring leader, Notre Dame all-time leading scorer
What is her playing style?
Explosive, clutch scoring guard with elite leadership and playmaking
Conclusion
Arike Ogunbowale is a legendary figure in women’s basketball, known for her clutch performances, scoring prowess, and leadership. Her impact at Notre Dame and with the Dallas Wings has made her one of the most exciting and accomplished players in the sport.
