Former Colorado State star Becky Hammon was honored Tuesday as one of the 20 greatest and most influential players in WNBA history.
After starring with the Rams, for whom she became an All-American, Hammon played 16 years in the WNBA, splitting time between the New York Liberty and San Antonio Stars. She made six all-star games and was a two-time all-WNBA first-team selection. She is third all time in career 3-pointers (829), fourth in assists (1,708) and eighth in points (5,841).
“Dominant. Exciting. Game changers. Thatap what comes to mind with these 20 incredibly talented, skilled and entertaining players,” WNBA chief of basketball operations and player relations Renee Brown said in a news release.
Hammon retired from the WNBA after the 2014 season. That August, she was hired by the San Antonio Spurs, becoming the first full-time salaried female coach in NBA history.
This isn’t the only honor she will receive this week. Hammon’s during a ceremony after Saturday’s home game against Atlanta.
The other players on the list include Seimone Augustus, Sue Bird, Swin Cash, Tamika Catchings, Cynthia Cooper, Yolanda Griffith, Becky Hammon, Lauren Jackson, Lisa Leslie, Maya Moore, Deanna Nolan, Candace Parker, Ticha Penicheiro, Cappie Pondexter, Katie Smith, Sheryl Swoopes, Diana Taurasi, Tina Thompson, Teresa Weatherspoon and Lindsay Whalen.
Nolan was the only one of the former players not to be selected five years ago among the 15 greatest. Dawn Staley was on that list but didn’t make Tuesday’s group.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
