Jewell Loyd - The Future
BASKETBALL - SHOOTING GUARD - WNBA - SEATTLE STORM
ARCHETYPE: THE FUTURE
Day 59/135
Athletic Accomplishments
As WNBA teams go, the Seattle Storm is stacked. It’s genuinely unfair. Not only do they have reigning WNBA Finals MVP Breanna Stewart and league veteran/national treasure Sue Bird, they also have one of the most efficient AND slept on players in the WNBA.
Have you met Jewell Loyd?
Loyd rounds out the backcourt for the reigning WNBA champion Seattle Storm. She played point guard through college before shifting to shooting guard, so she can bring the ball up, command an offense, and find her own shot whenever she wants. Loyd is a versatile, attacking offensive fireball who is quick on and off the dribble.
I should clarify. When I say Loyd is slept on, what I mean is that the media, sponsors, and American sports fans are missing out on a game-changing star. Because the entire WNBA knows that Loyd is dangerous. How else would you put up this kind of career, only 5 years into the W?
2× WNBA champion (2018, 2020)
WNBA Rookie of the Year (2015)
WNBA All-Rookie Team (2015)
2× WNBA All-Star (2018–2019)
In 2015, Loyd left Notre Dame following her junior season to enter the WNBA Draft. She was selected first, coming off the heels of an exceptional season playing for the Fighting Irish, being selected espnW National Player of the Year and ACC Player of the Year. She also picked up the following honors:
2× ACC Tournament MVP (2014, 2015)
2× Consensus All-American (2014, 2015)
USBWA National Freshman of the Year (2013)
Big East Freshman of the Year (2013)
Character Archetype: The Future
Seattle Storm shooting guard Jewel Loyd is a lifelong Laker fan. While playing at Notre Dame, she was nicknamed the Gold Mamba because she penned Kobe Bryant quotes on her sneakers before every game.
When Loyd arrived as the first pick in the 2015 WNBA draft, she made an instant impact, thanks to her explosive speed, court vision, and basketball IQ.
But it didn’t hurt that Loyd has been mentored by two all-time basketball greats. Her Storm teammate, Sue Bird, and the OG Black Mamba himself, Kobe Bryant. After losing Kobe, her hero and mentor, Loyd had a renewed purpose and motivation, which made the 2020 WNBA title even more meaningful.
Watching Loyd play, the future of the WNBA remains bright. We may have lost one Mamba, but trust in Loyd to carry on Kobe’s legacy.