New York Liberty forward Michaela Onyenwere is the 2021 Rookie of the Year, the WNBA announced Tuesday. Onyenwere was expected to win the award as she had the best statistical season of any rookie and swept the Rookie of the Month honors.
Onyenwere, the No. 6 pick in the Draft, came out and scored 18 points in her pro debut. She then scored 29 in game later in May. She continued to be a key contributor for the Liberty, starting in 29 games.
Onyenwere received 47 of 49 possible votes. Aari McDonald of the Atlanta Dream and Onyenwere’s teammate DiDi Richards were the other players who were voted for. Onyenwere is the first member of the Liberty to ever win the award.
McDonald and Richards joined Onyenwere on the All-Rookie Team, along with Dallas Wings forward/center Charli Collier and Chicago Sky guard Dana Evans. Collier was the No. 1 overall pick in the Draft.
