Rhyne Howard dominates WNBA All-Star 3x3 Challenge, expected to play for Team USA despite recent injury

Former Kentucky Women’s Basketball star Rhyne Howard is still expected to play in this year’s Olympics despite an ankle injury sustained last month. The point guard exited June 19th’s matchup against the Minnesota Lynx after an ankle sprain. The injury left fans worried that Howard wouldn’t be healed in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Thankfully, Howard quickly bounced back from injury. The 2022 No. 1 overall pick returned to the court on Wednesday and put up decent numbers. Howard recorded 15 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, and earned Player of the Game.

While Team USA never came out and said Howard would be missing the games, her status was unclear. The Atlanta Dream announced that Howard was out “indefinitely” and a timeline for her return would be released in those coming weeks. However, a timeline was never official, and before we knew it, the superstar was back on her feet. Literally.

Ahead of Olympic competition, Howard took to the court during the WNBA’s All-Star festivities earlier this week, participating in the USA Basketball 3×3 Challenge. And she absolutely dominated.

In the brief exhibition, Howard put up 12 of the 19 points the USA scored en route to their 19-16 victory against the U23 team. “Shooters shoot,” she told ESPN’s Holly Rowe following her performance.

Howard is a part of Team USA’s 3×3 Women’s Basketball squad, along with Cameron Brink, Cierra Burdick, and Hailey Van Lith. Unfortunately, Brink sustained an injury the same week as Rhyne. The L.A. Sparks forward tore her left ACL on June 18th, just a day before Howard suffered a sprained ankle. Dream teammate Dearica Hamby replaced Brink on Team USA’s roster.

The Kentucky alum is the youngest Dream player to ever participate in the Olympics. We’re used to history-making from Howard, but she’s the gift that keeps on giving.

At Kentucky, Howard was a vital piece of all four of her seasons. The guard scored 2,290 career points, putting her second in UK history behind Valerie Still. She led her senior year squad to Kentucky’s first SEC Championship since 1982 — a huge upset over No. 1 South Carolina. Now, Howard averages 15.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. She’s a huge asset to the Dream, and now to Team USA.

Clearly, Howard has what it takes to represent the United States this summer. If you’re anything like me, you’re excited to see what Howard can do on the international level. Team USA opens up 3×3 play on July 30 against Germany. The stakes have never been higher, but the former ‘Cat knows how to rise to the occasion. Good luck, Rhyne!