Latest news with #NateTibbetts
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
WNBA Team Makes Final Decision on Undrafted Rookie on Tuesday
WNBA Team Makes Final Decision on Undrafted Rookie on Tuesday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. As of early June, the Phoenix Mercury sit at a promising 5-2, holding the second spot in the fiercely competitive Western Conference, behind only the undefeated Minnesota Lynx (7-0). Advertisement Under second-year head coach Nate Tibbetts, the Mercury have established a defensive identity, forcing 16.3 turnovers per game (the best in the league) and allowing just 75.3 points per game (second-best overall). While offseason additions Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally have led the offense with 21.3 and 15.2 points per game, respectively, the team's collective effort has led to Phoenix's early success, highlighted by rookie contributions from Kathryn Westbeld, Monique Akoa Makani and Lexi Held. On Tuesday, the Mercury officially signed rookie Duquesne's Megan McConnell, sister of Indiana Pacers' T.J. McConnell, inking her to a one-year, $66,079 rookie contract, per Spotrac. Over in Pittsburgh, McConnell closed out one of the most decorated careers in Duquesne program history, finishing with 1,795 career points (second in school history). Advertisement McConnell also became Duquesne's all-time leader in assists (660) and steals (370) while her 144 games played rank as the program record, as do her 136 career starts and four career triple-doubles. During the 2024-25 season, McConnell averaged 18.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists and a nation-leading 4.1 steals per game, earning Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year and All-Conference honors from 2022 to 2025. Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Despite going undrafted in the 2025 WNBA Draft, McConnell caught the attention of several teams. Shortly after draft night, she accepted a training camp invitation from the Mercury. Now, she's staying in Phoenix on a one-year deal. Advertisement Related: Lexie Hull's Mother Sends Indiana Fever Message After Third Straight Loss Related: Dallas Wings Get Bad News on Monday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
WNBA Team Rules Out Three Players for Season Opener
The Phoenix Mercury will enter tonight's season opener against the Seattle Storm without three key contributors, dressing just nine players for their home tip-off at Footprint Center. Veteran forward Kahleah Copper has been ruled out with a left knee issue. Copper appeared in the first preseason game versus the Las Vegas Aces, scoring six points with two assists, but missed the second game due to a back injury. Advertisement Latvian wing Kitija Laksa is also unavailable, though her absence is not injury. Rounding out the trio is Natasha Mack, sidelined by a back problem. Head coach Nate Tibbetts will lean on newly acquired All-Stars Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally, part of a blockbuster four-team trade finalized in February, to anchor the frontcourt. Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Thomas averaged 10.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.9 assists last season playing for the Connecticut Sun. In the backcourt, veterans Sami Whitcomb, Sevgi Uzun, and rookie Lexi Held will be asked to fill Copper's scoring void. With Copper's 21.1 points per game from 2024 missing, Phoenix loses its leading scorer and usage leader. Advertisement Kalani Brown and Alexis Prince are projected to provide interior scoring and rebounding for the Mercury. Laksa's absence removes a perimeter shooting threat, with no clear return timetable. On the opposite side, Seattle loses out on only one, Katie Lou Samuelson, in the matchup, suffering from a right knee injury. Saturday's tip-off will serve as an early barometer for Nate Tibbetts's retooled roster under duress.
