Dearica Hamby plays as a starting power forward for the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA. Hamby was the sixth overall pick in the 2015 WNBA Draft, selected by the San Antonio Stars, now known as the Las Vegas Aces. In her 10 seasons in the WNBA until 2024, Hamby has been a three-time WNBA All-Star and has won two Sixth Woman of the Year awards (2019 and 2020). The forward also won the 2022 WNBA championship with the Las Vegas Aces and was later traded to the Los Angeles Spark in 2023. However, Hamby's trade from the Aces to the Sparks sparked controversy as she filed a lawsuit against the WNBA and the Aces, claiming discrimination. According to On3, Hamby alleged that the team "exiled" her after she announced her pregnancy and later traded her for the same reason. In response, both the WNBA and the Aces filed motions in September 2024 to dismiss the lawsuit, Sportico reported.
After joining the Sparks, Hamby averaged 8.9 points in 2023. However, she had a breakout 2024 season, earning her third WNBA All-Star selection while averaging 17.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.7 steals. She shot 51.2% from the field and 34.1% from the three-point line. She also finished second in the Most Improved Player rankings. In 2025, Hamby started playing in the Unrivaled 3x3 basketball league with the Vinyl BC.
Dearica Hamby's nationality?
Dearica Hamby's nationality is American. She has represented Team USA in multiple international competitions.
Dearica Hamby Team USA Career
Although Dearica Hamby plays traditional 5x5 basketball in the WNBA, she has predominantly represented the United States basketball team in the 3x3 basketball competitions. In 2022, she joined the 2022 USA World Cup Qualifying Team and averaged 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds, as per her Team USA profile.
In 2023, Dearica Hamby played a crucial role in Team USA's gold medal victory at the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She was named tournament MVP after leading the team in scoring (6.6 points per game), rebounding (7.0 rebounds per game), and total key assists (10). In the final gold medal game against Brazil, Hamby hit a game-winning shot as time expired. Team USA overcame a 13-19 deficit in the final two minutes to win 21-20 against Brazil.
In 2024, Hamby competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics as a member of the USA 3x3 Women’s National Team, winning a bronze medal. She led the team in rebounds with 44 (4.9 rebounds per game) and had the highest 1-point shooting percentage at 57% (31-54). She ranked second on the team in scoring with 37 points (4.1 points per game). Overall, Dearica Hamby’s Team USA Basketball career includes a gold medal at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup and a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympic Games 3x3.
Dearica Hamby Hometown
Born on November 6, 1993, Dearica Hamby grew up in Marietta, Georgia, and attended Marietta High School. She later transferred to Norcross High School for her senior year and led the team to a 5-A state title in 2010-11.
As a four-star recruit coming out of high school, Hamby played college basketball for Wake Forest. She finished her college career as the leading scorer and rebounder in program history and became one of only two Wake Forest players to have played in the WNBA. (via Basketball Reference).
Also read: Dearica Hamby College
FAQ's On Dearica Hamby
A. Dearica Hamby plays for the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA.
A. Yes, Alonzo Nelson-Ododa, an NBA G-League player, is Dearica Marie Hamby's husband.
A. Dearica Hamby was named the MVP at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 Ameri Cup.
A. Dearica Hamby plays as a forward.
A. Dearica Hamby played college basketball at Wake Forest University.
A. Dearica Hamby has won one WNBA championship with the Las Vegas Aces in 2022.
