News Summary
The Phoenix Mercury’s No. 21 jersey has a rich history, having been worn by 12 players since the team’s inception in 1997. Currently worn by Kalani Brown, the jersey symbolizes excellence and continuity in women’s basketball. From the first player, Umeki Webb, to current custodian Brown, each player has contributed significantly to the legacy of this iconic number. Fans are encouraged to connect with the team’s jersey history on social media, celebrating the collective contributions and individual achievements tied to the No. 21 jersey.
PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury’s No. 21 jersey has a storied history, worn by a total of 12 players since the team’s inception in 1997. The current representative of this notable number is Kalani Brown, who has appeared in 27 games, showcasing impressive performances, including scoring 15 points in a game against the Lynx and contributing 11 points against the Chicago Sky.
The legacy of the No. 21 jersey began with Umeki Webb, the first player to don the number when she was drafted by the Mercury in 1997. During her inaugural season, Webb played in 28 games and averaged 5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.4 steals. After her stint with the Mercury, she moved on to the Miami Sol.
Following Webb, Jaynetta Saunders wore No. 21 in 2001 and 2002 after being drafted by the Cleveland Rockers and acquired by the Mercury. In her first year, Saunders averaged 2.4 points and 1.4 rebounds, and in her second season, she improved slightly with an average of 3.5 points and 1.4 rebounds.
Another key player in the history of the No. 21 jersey is Tamara Moore, who wore the number after beginning her professional career with the Miami Sol. Jennifer Lacy took the jersey in 2006 and 2007 and was part of the Mercury team that won a championship; she was subsequently selected by the Atlanta Dream in an expansion draft.
The jersey continued to be worn by subsequent players, including Brooke Smith, Alexis Gray-Lawson, Nirra Fields, Marta Xargay, and Marie Gulich, each contributing to the history of this number in various capacities and performances. Each of these players left their mark on the team, helping to build the legacy of the Mercury.
Brianna Turner was another noteworthy player who wore No. 21 from 2019 until 2023 after being traded to the Mercury shortly after her draft by the Atlanta Dream. Following Turner, Mikiah Herbert Harrigan took over the jersey and played in 31 games before being traded to the Dallas Wings, continuing the tradition of strong performances associated with No. 21.
As the current custodian of the No. 21 jersey, Kalani Brown continues the rich tradition established by her predecessors. Her contributions to the team have highlighted the importance of this number in the fiery history of the Phoenix Mercury. Fans can look forward to seeing how Brown adds to this legacy in the upcoming seasons.
The history of the No. 21 jersey is emblematic of the team’s commitment to excellence and the legacy left by each player who wore it. The Phoenix Mercury invites supporters and basketball enthusiasts to engage with the team’s jersey history on social media for further insights into this notable number.
Overall, the journey of the No. 21 jersey reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of women’s basketball in Phoenix, celebrating both individual achievements and collective team success.
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Additional Resources
- SI: History of the Phoenix Mercury No. 21 Jersey
- AZ Central: Phoenix Mercury News
- Aces WNBA: Game Recap
- Wikipedia: Phoenix Mercury
- Newsweek: How to Watch Mercury vs. Aces
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF 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.
