The Phoenix Mercury's 2010 and 2011 drafts were pivotal moments in their history, showcasing a strategic approach to talent acquisition. Despite having only second and third-round picks in those years, the team made impactful selections that contributed to their success. Let's delve into the stories of Tyra Grant, Nyeshia Stevenson, Brittany Spears, and Tahnee Robinson, who were part of these drafts.
In 2010, the Mercury drafted Tyra Grant with the 24th pick. Grant, a standout player at Penn State, averaged impressive numbers, including 16.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. Her best season came in her junior year, where she excelled with 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Although Grant participated in the preseason, she didn't make the cut for the Mercury's active roster. She contributed 12 points and three rebounds in a preseason game, but her journey with the team ended there.
The same year, the Mercury also drafted Nyeshia Stevenson, a talented player from Oklahoma. Stevenson averaged 9.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists over four years. Her best performance came in her final year, where she averaged 14.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Like Grant, Stevenson appeared in the preseason but didn't secure a spot on the Mercury's roster. She scored seven points in the team's second preseason game.
Moving on to the 2011 draft, the Mercury selected Brittany Spears in the second round and Tahnee Robinson in the third. Spears, a standout at Colorado, averaged 17.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists during her college career. She made her presence known in the preseason, scoring nine points, three rebounds, three steals, and an assist in the first game. However, her impact with the Mercury was limited, as she only managed two points, two rebounds, and a steal in the second preseason game.
Robinson, a player from Nevada, averaged 22.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Despite her impressive statistics, she didn't make the cut for the Mercury's roster. These drafts highlight the Mercury's strategic approach to talent acquisition, even with limited picks. While none of these players achieved career-highs with the team, they remain integral parts of the franchise's history.
The 2010 and 2011 drafts served as a foundation for the Mercury's success, with key players like DeWanna Bonner leading the team to championship glory in 2009. Stay tuned for more insights into the Mercury's past drafts and their impact on the team's journey to greatness. Don't forget to follow us on X for exclusive updates on past draft picks, including the 2011 class! [Link: https://x.com/MercuryOnSI]
