Atlanta Dream forward Angel McCoughtry is the WNBA's rookie of the year.

McCoughtry, the No. 1 overall draft pick this past season, received 27 votes from members of the media. Runner-up DeWanna Bonner, who has Phoenix in the WNBA finals, got nine votes.

McCoughtry was instrumental in helping the Dream complete a remarkable turnaround in their second season, making the playoffs after winning only four games their inaugural year. The former Louisville star led rookies with 12.8 points and 2.2 steals per game.

She received the award at the end of practice Wednesday at the U.S. women's basketball training camp. McCoughtry is among 23 players vying for a spot in the national team pool.

This should not be understated. McCoughtry is most likely the best women's basketball player to have ever stepped onto Freedom Hall. She is quickly becoming a household name across the nation, as previous winners of the ROY have become. This includes include Candace Parker, 2008, Armintie Price, 2007, Diana Taurasi, 2004, Chamique Holdsclaw, 1999. Let's hope Jeff Walz can continue the recruitment of fine players and coach them up to superstar talent. Also, let's root for TWill to win ROY as well. That would certainly be a statement for UofL basketball.