Dearica Hamby is an American professional basketball player who competes for the Los Angeles Sparks in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Dearica Marie Hamby was born on November 6, 1993.
In 2015, Dearica Hamby was drafted sixth overall by the San Antonio Stars. She showcased her skills, averaging 11 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 0.97 steals per game. Notably, she tied the WNBA record for most double-doubles by a reserve player with five.
Dearica Hamby and her husband celebrated the arrival of their daughter, Amaya, in February 2017.
Dearica Hamby was overwhelmingly voted the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year in 2019, receiving 41 out of 43 votes.
In a thrilling playoff game against the Chicago Sky, Dearica Hamby cemented her place in WNBA history. With her team trailing 92-90 and only 6.5 seconds left on the clock, she stole the ball from Courtney Vandersloot, dribbled past half court, and sank the game-winning shot. This incredible play was dubbed "the shot of the year" by the WNBA.
Dearica Hamby solidified her reputation as a top player by winning the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year award for the second consecutive year on September 20, 2020.
On June 29, 2022, Dearica Hamby committed to the Las Vegas Aces by signing a multi-year contract extension.
During the Las Vegas Aces Championship parade in September 2022, Dearica Hamby shared the joyful news of expecting her second child.
Dearica Hamby achieved a career highlight in 2022 when she and the Las Vegas Aces secured the WNBA Championship title.
In 2022, Dearica Hamby participated in the USA Basketball national team training camp, marking her first experience with the national team. She furthered her international experience as a member of the women's 2022 USA World Cup Qualifying Team.
In a significant trade on January 21, 2023, Dearica Hamby was sent to the Los Angeles Sparks. The Aces received the rights to Amanda Zahui B. and a 2024 second-round draft pick in exchange for Hamby and a 2024 first-round draft pick.
Dearica Hamby announced the birth of her second child, a baby named Legend Maree Scandrick, on her Instagram in March 2023.
Dearica Hamby filed a federal discrimination complaint against the WNBA and the Las Vegas Aces in September 2023. She alleged that her pregnancy was the reason behind her trade from the Aces and that the league failed to conduct a proper investigation.
Dearica Hamby achieved a remarkable feat in December 2023 by winning the gold medal with the USA 3x3 team at the AmeriCup. She played a pivotal role in the victory, sinking the game-winning shot and earning the tournament MVP award. Following this success, she was named as a replacement for the injured Cameron Brink on the United States 3x3 team for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Dearica Hamby was selected to represent the United States at the 2024 Summer Olympics as part of the 3x3 basketball team.
The Los Angeles Sparks and the Las Vegas Aces exchanged draft picks in 2024. The Sparks received a first-round pick, while the Aces obtained a second-round pick.