Dearica Hamby is an American professional basketball player who currently plays forward for the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA. Recognized for her scoring, rebounding, and versatility, Hamby is a decorated veteran and a key contributor at both the professional and international levels.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Dearica Marie Hamby
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Date of Birth: November 6, 1993
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Hometown: Marietta, Georgia
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Height: 6’3″ (1.91 m)
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Weight: 189 lbs (86 kg)
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Position: Forward
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High School: Played in Marietta, Georgia; initially an aspiring softball player before a growth spurt led her to basketball
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Family: Daughter of Carla Hamby and Derrick Jones; married to Alonzo Nelson-Ododa; mother of two children, Amaya and Legend
College Career: Wake Forest (2011–2015)
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Four-year standout for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons
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Accolades:
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Wake Forest’s all-time leading scorer (1,801 points) and rebounder (1,021 rebounds)
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First Demon Deacon to lead the ACC in both scoring (22.0 ppg) and rebounding (11.0 rpg) in the same season
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Senior year: 20.3 points, 10.7 rebounds per game (led ACC in scoring, second in rebounding)
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Two-time All-ACC First Team
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2015 Marge Crisp Award (Wake Forest Female Student-Athlete of the Year)
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First women’s basketball player from Wake Forest drafted to the WNBA
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Professional Career
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WNBA Draft: 1st round, 6th overall, 2015 WNBA Draft by San Antonio Stars
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Teams:
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San Antonio Stars (2015–2017)
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Las Vegas Aces (2018–2022)
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Los Angeles Sparks (2023–present)
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WNBA Stats & Highlights:
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2024 season: 17.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.0 blocks per game (career highs)
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2023 season: 8.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists per game
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2022 season: 9.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists per game (WNBA champion)
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Career averages: 10.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists per game
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Three-time WNBA All-Star (2021, 2022, 2024)
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Two-time WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year (2019, 2020)
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2022 WNBA Champion (Las Vegas Aces)
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2022 Commissioner’s Cup Champion
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Signed with Los Angeles Sparks in 2023 after trade from Las Vegas Aces
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International:
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Played for USA Basketball at the 2022 World Cup Qualifying Team
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2023 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup Champion and tournament MVP
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Selected for 2024 Paris Olympics 3×3 basketball team
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Achievements & Honors
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Two-time WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year (2019, 2020)
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Three-time WNBA All-Star (2021, 2022, 2024)
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2022 WNBA Champion
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2022 Commissioner’s Cup Champion
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Wake Forest all-time leading scorer and rebounder
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Two-time All-ACC First Team
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2015 Marge Crisp Award
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2023 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup Champion and MVP
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Selected for 2024 Paris Olympics 3×3 basketball team
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Versatile scorer and rebounder
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Strong defender and shot-blocker
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High basketball IQ and leadership
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Reliable in clutch situations
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Style:
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Physical, athletic forward who excels in transition and half-court offense
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Brings toughness, championship experience, and a team-first mentality
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FAQs About Dearica Hamby
What position does Dearica Hamby play?
Forward
Which team does she play for?
Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA)
How old is Dearica Hamby?
31 (born November 6, 1993)
What are her main achievements?
Two-time WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year, three-time All-Star, 2022 WNBA champion, Wake Forest all-time leading scorer and rebounder, 2023 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup champion and MVP, selected for 2024 Paris Olympics 3×3 basketball team
What is her playing style?
Versatile, physical forward with elite scoring, rebounding, and defense
Conclusion
Dearica Hamby is a decorated WNBA veteran whose scoring, rebounding, and leadership have made her a cornerstone for the Los Angeles Sparks and a respected figure in women’s basketball. Her championship pedigree and international success continue to define her as one of the league’s top forwards.
(Age, statistics, and honors are as of June 2025.)
