Hebard adds name among Alaska’s greatest NCAA post players
Ruthy Hebard
The state of Alaska has produced a handful of prolific power forwards in NCAA D1 women’s basketball over the years, but Ruthy Hebard of Fairbanks might go down as the best.
That is saying a lot given the towering figures that came before her in Kelsey Griffin, Jessica Moore, Andrea Lloyd and Azella Perryman.
But the group’s tallest player will cast the largest shadow as the 6-foot-4 Hebard is on the verge of becoming the state’s all-time leader in points, rebounds and field-goal percentage.
The University of Oregon standout could break the state record for most games if the Ducks can make another run in March.
She could break the record for most games if the Ducks make another run in March.
Hebard, of West Valley High fame, was the fastest Alaskan to score 1,000 points and she’ll be the fastest to score 2,000.
She will also become the first Alaskan to shoot better than 60 percent from the floor and the second Alaskan to register 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.
Besides her incredible individual success, Hebard has helped transform Oregon into a Pac-12 power and last season played a key role in leading the Ducks to the school’s first-ever appearance in the Final Four.
She’s also won three medals with different age-group national teams in addition to helping Oregon hand Team USA its first loss to a college team in 20 years.
Here is how Hebard stacks up against the greatest post players from Alaska:
Ruthy Hebard
Player: Ruthy Hebard
Height: 6-4
Hometown: Fairbanks (West Valley)
College: Oregon
Years: 2016-2020
Games: 122
Points: 1,985
Rebounds: 1,089
FG% .645
Highlights: Set NCAA record with 33 consecutive field goals. Named 2018 Katrina McClain Award for national power forward of the year. Selected All-Pac-12 three times.
Kelsey Griffin
Player: Kelsey Griffin
Height: 6-2
Hometown: Eagle River (Chugiak)
College: Nebraska
Years: 2005-2010
Games: 127
Points: 2,033
Rebounds: 1,019
FG% .558
Highlights: Named 2010 Big 12 Player of the Year and First Team All-American. Selected First-Team All-Big 12 three times. Drafted No.3 overall in 2010 WNBA draft.
Jessica Moore
Player: Jessica Moore
Height: 6-3
Hometown: Palmer (Colony)
College: Connecticut
Years: 2001-2005
Games: 145
Points: 1,233
Rebounds: 834
FG% .584
Highlights: Helped Huskies win NCAA titles in 2002, 2003 and 2004. Was part of 70-game winning streak. Did not miss a game in her career.
Andrea Loyd
Player: Andrea Lloyd
Height: 6-2
Hometown: Juneau (Juneau-Douglas)
College: Texas
Years: 1983-1987
Games: 127
Points: 1,596
Rebounds: 1,115
FG% .533
Highlights: Helped Longhorns win NCAA title in 1986. Named First Team All-American three times. Won gold medal with Team USA at 1988 Olympics.
Azella Perryman
Player: Azella Perryman
Height: 6-1
Hometown: Anchorage (East)
College: Stanford
Years: 2001-2005
Games: 129
Points: 757
Rebounds: 631
FG% .508
Highlights: Grabbed 18 rebounds in one game. Led the Cardinal with 221 rebounds in 2003.