The Basics
Position: Forward
Current Team: Chicago Sky | #24
Draft: 2020 | Oregon | 1st round (8th overall)
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The Down Low
You may know Ruthy as one of the trio of Oregon Ducks who took over the 2020 draft, going first (Sabrina Ionescu), second (Satou Sabally), and eighth. Whenever they reunite, expect cute content.
Getting drafted to Chicago was a sort of homecoming for Ruthy, as she was born there. But her home is in Alaska. Her hometown of Fairbanks threw her a car parade when she was drafted because they could not party in person during the pandemic. Also, here is a wonderful story about the difficulty of getting her hair braided in Alaska, and how her mom, who is white, learned how to braid her hair.
Ruthy is not a flashy player, but she is EFFICIENT. Give her the ball, and she will score. As a rookie, she casually ended up with the highest field goal percentage and effective field goal percentage of any player. She did the same in college, leading the entire country in field goal percentage her senior year. She shot 68.5% in college and barely dipped to 68.2% in the pros, which is ridiculous given the new level of competition. Personally, I love her pick and roll game with her Chicago Sky PG Courtney Vandersloot, a duo I have dubbed "Sleuth." (Get into it.)
Highlight Reel
Know Your Meme
This one is self-explanatory because it is perfect.
More on Ruthy
- My Mom Still Braids My Hair (The Players' Tribune)
- Sky forward Ruthy Hebard had a strong rookie season — and people took notice (Madeline Kenney, Chicago Sun TImes)