Hamby aids in progressing Sparks' teammate Burrell's skills development

Revamped Description:

When Dearica Hamby takes a break from action or huddles up, she always passes on one advice to Rae Burrell: Stay prepared.

"In this league with two star guards, finding consistent minutes is a challenge, especially with the format," Hamby said. "But I always remind her, because I've been that role player. The one eager to fight for more and feel they deserve more."

On Feb 21, the moment Burrell had been anticipating arrived. Her team, Vinyl Basketball Club, saw their lead slip in a fourth quarter clash against the Mist. Hamby zipped in for a fast-break layup, setting things back in motion. Burrell then took command, racking up points off coastal dashes, nifty head fakes, and a well-placed three. Hamburg tried to clinch the game with a layup, but it bounced off the rim. The reflector sent Stewart on a breakaway, but her attempt also missed. The rebound landed right in Hamby's hands, who swiftly found Burrell for the decisive points.

"That was the perfect ending to the game," Burrell said. "Especially since I'd been hitting Hamby throughout, and for her to assist me on my first Unrivaled win, it was a special moment."

Hamby assisted Burrell on the last three scores of that game, showcasing the growing bond between the duo, who are not just Sparks' teammates but close friends.

Their friendship, though, predates Unrivaled and Sparks. Hamby used to cross paths with Burrell, a Vegas native and five-star recruit, while she was with Las Vegas Aces. After being traded to the Sparks, Hamby and Burrell initially didn't hit it off, but they'd carpool on their way back to Vegas and occasionally help each other out.

It wasn't until last season that their bond flourished, with Hamby living three doors down from Burrell in team housing. They say their friendship has no defining moment; they just find themselves drawn to each other.

This offseason, they'd live near each other in Miami for Unrivaled. Hamby would pop in on Burrell's workouts and vice versa, with Burrell dropping by Hamby's apartment for meals centered on spaghetti and meatballs while Hamby baked cookies.

On the court, Burrell loves Hilming the pick-and-roll with Hamby, knowing how to read her moves and tactics. Hamby, in turn, constantly communicates, advising Burrell when to wait, wait off a screen, stay on it, or pass.

"Hamby never stops talking," Burrell said. "Playing with her is easy. You just know what she wants to run."

Burrell lovingly refers to Hamby as her mom on the team, seeking her guidance, and Hamby always seems to know when to motivate or comfort Burrell.

Hamby has also been instrumental in Burrell's growth as a player, showing her the ropes of professional basketball. But beyond the Xs and Os, Hamby has been crucial in guiding Burrell through various experiences such as injuries, being cut, playing on hardship contracts, and signing multi-year deals.

Beyond their basketball connection, their friendship has fostered each other's leadership. Hamby's leadership style, rooted in empathy and nurturing, has helped her support her teammates. Her conversations with Burrell, though sometimes uncomfortable, have taught her to be assertive when necessary.

Their bond has also been noted by Kelsey Plum, who played with Hamby for six years before joining the Sparks. Plum sees Hamby's growth and the influence she has had on Burrell's development. Sparks assistant coach Zak Buncik, also an assistant coach for Vinyl, agrees, commenting on the closeness shared by the two.

As the upcoming WNBA season approaches, Hamby and Burrell are excited about their team's potential. With the addition of Plum and new free agents such as Emma Cannon, Mercedes Russell, and Shaneice Swain, and a new offensive system under coach Lynne Roberts, the season promises to be eventful.

Hamby is eager to see how Burrell's confidence translates back to the WNBA. She sees Burrell becoming a reliable sixth woman or even a full-time starter in the future.

"When I had that chat with her, I told her, 'You'll look back and thank me when you're an All-Star,'" Hamby said. "I believe she'll be ready when her number's called."

Highlights of the Enrichment Data:

Dearica Hamby has been involved in discussions and podcasts, such as "Straight to Cam," where WNBA individuals, including Cameron Brink and Sydel Curry-Lee, discuss various topics related to the WNBA and their experiences. Rae Burrell has also been featured in episodes of this podcast, suggesting that there may be a network or community where they could interact.
The WNBA fosters a close-knit community, where players often support each other both on and off the court. While there is no specific mention of a friendship between Hamby and Burrell, this community aspect can facilitate friendships and mutual support among players.
Dearica Hamby is a well-established player, known as a WNBA Champion and multiple-time All-Star. Her experiences and insights could potentially be beneficial to younger players like Rae Burrell, who might be looking for guidance in their careers.

The WNBA community, like in the "Straight to Cam" podcast featuring Cameron Brink, Sydel Curry-Lee, and Rae Burrell, demonstrates the close-knit nature of the league where players often support each other.
Beyond the WNBA, Dearica Hamby and Rae Burrell have a growing bond, not just as teammates but close friends, with Hamby being lovingly referred to as Burrell's mom on the team.
In Los Angeles, California, Hamby has influenced Burrell's growth as a player, teaching her the intricacies of professional basketball, as well as guiding her through various experiences such as injuries and contract negotiations.
During the 2023 WNBA season, the Sparks, with new additions such as Shaneice Swain and Emma Cannon, promise to be eventful, and Hamby is excited to see Rae Burrell's increased confidence and potential growth into a reliable sixth woman or even a full-time starter.
Hamby's empathetic and nurturing leadership style has been instrumental in supporting her teammates, while her conversations with Burrell have helped her develop assertiveness.
Hamby believes that Burrell will one day become an All-Star, recalling a conversation where she told Burrell, "You'll look back and thank me when you're an All-Star."