News Summary
The 2004 WNBA Draft was a crucial turning point for the Phoenix Mercury, where they selected Diana Taurasi first overall. This decision led to an immediate impact on the team’s performance, marking the start of a successful era. Alongside Taurasi, the Mercury made strategic picks that showcased their commitment to rebuilding. Their transformation reignited fan enthusiasm and established the Mercury as a dominant force in women’s basketball, with multi-championship success following that pivotal draft day.
Phoenix witnessed a transformational moment in women’s basketball during the 2004 WNBA Draft, which became pivotal for the Phoenix Mercury franchise. The Mercury, who had ended their 2003 season with a disappointing 8-26 record and missed the playoffs for the third consecutive year, were in desperate need of revitalization. Their challenging previous season set the stage for a significant change in their strategy as they approached the 2004 draft with four picks: two in the first round, one in the second round, and one in the third round.
With the first overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft, the Mercury selected Diana Taurasi, a remarkable standout from the University of Connecticut (UConn). Taurasi’s college career was distinguished by her contributions to the UConn Huskies, where she played a crucial role in the team’s victories, securing three consecutive national championships in 2002, 2003, and 2004. In her junior year, she achieved her best statistical performance, averaging 17.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game. Over her overall college career, Taurasi maintained averages of 15.0 points, 4.5 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 block per game.
Upon joining the Mercury, Taurasi made an immediate impact, averaging 17.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals in her rookie season. Her impressive performance earned her the coveted Rookie of the Year award as well as a spot on the All-First Team. This early success marked the beginning of a new era for the Mercury, leading to multiple championships in the years that followed.
Beyond Taurasi, the Mercury utilized their additional draft picks wisely. In the first round, they selected Chandi Jones, who was later traded to the Detroit Shock and subsequently to the Minnesota Lynx. They also drafted Ashley Robinson, who played for various teams including the Mercury, Chicago Sky, Seattle Storm, and Washington Mystics, winning a championship with the Storm. Another pick, Maria Villarroel, was traded to the Houston Comets. While some of these players did not spend significant time with the Mercury, their drafting decisions showcased a commitment to rebuilding the team.
The 2004 draft is recognized as a pivotal moment not only for Diana Taurasi but for the Phoenix Mercury as a whole, bringing about a much-needed transformation. The foundations of the Mercury dated back to their inaugural WNBA season, with significant cashes in history like Nancy Lieberman, who was crucial in the early days of the franchise. To honor exceptional leadership and playmaking, the Nancy Lieberman Award was established in 2000. Several players from the Mercury, past and present, have been recipients of this prestigious award, including Taurasi herself, who won it in both 2003 and 2004. The award continues to embody the legacy of the Phoenix Mercury, with an expectation that future talents will also achieve recognition.
As the Mercury moved forward, the impact of the 2004 draft, particularly the acquisition of Taurasi, reshaped the team’s destiny and reignited their competitive spirit in the league. This change not only affected their performance on the court but also enhanced the fan base’s engagement and enthusiasm for the franchise. The Mercury have since become a force to be reckoned with in women’s basketball, all beginning with that significant draft day in 2004.
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Additional Resources
- SI: Diana Taurasi and Nancy Lieberman
- MSN: Legacy Announcement for Diana Taurasi
- Mercury: Ring of Honor Induction for Diana Taurasi
- Pro Football Network: WNBA Legend Could Still Play
- SI: Chandi Jones and Diana Taurasi Analysis
- Wikipedia: Diana Taurasi
- Google Search: Phoenix Mercury
- Google Scholar: Phoenix Mercury
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Phoenix Mercury
- Google News: Diana Taurasi
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
