Imagine drafting a player who not only becomes a cornerstone of your franchise but also helps secure a championship. That's exactly what the Phoenix Mercury did when they selected Brittney Griner in 2013. Her impact was so profound that her jersey number is almost certain to hang in the rafters one day. But here's where it gets interesting: while Griner's story is well-known, the journeys of the Mercury's 2012 draft picks are far less celebrated—yet equally fascinating. Let's dive into the tales of these players, some of whom left their mark on the league, while others faded into obscurity.
In 2012, the Mercury had three draft picks, each with their own unique story. In the first round, they selected Samantha Prahalis, a standout guard from Ohio State. Prahalis was a force in college, averaging 19.8 points, 6.3 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 steals in her final season. And this is the part most people miss: she carried that momentum into her rookie year with the Mercury, averaging 11.6 points, 4.5 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals. Her crowning moment? A career-best performance against the Los Angeles Sparks, where she dropped 22 points, grabbed five rebounds, dished out five assists, and added four steals and a block.
That game wasn’t just a Prahalis showcase; it was a team effort. DeWanna Bonner led the charge with 24 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block. Charde Houston followed closely behind Prahalis, contributing 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals. But here's a controversial take: while Prahalis showed promise, her WNBA career didn’t reach the heights many expected. Why do you think that is? Was it the pressure, the system, or something else entirely? Let us know in the comments!
Moving to the second round, the Mercury drafted C’eira Ricketts from Arkansas. Her best college season came in her junior year, where she averaged 13.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Unfortunately, Ricketts never played for the Mercury or any other WNBA team. And this is the part most people miss: her story raises questions about the transition from college to the pros. What challenges do players like Ricketts face, and how can teams better support them?
Finally, in the third round, the Mercury selected Christine Flores from Missouri. Her senior year was her best, averaging 16.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Like Ricketts, Flores didn’t play for the Mercury. She briefly signed with the San Antonio Silver Stars but never found her footing in the league. But here's where it gets controversial: does the WNBA draft system need reform to better nurture late-round talent? Share your thoughts below!
The 2012 draft picks may have had different journeys, but they were all part of a legendary franchise. The Mercury have a history of finding special players, and while not all of them shine equally, each story adds to the rich tapestry of the team’s legacy. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the stars; it’s about the stories of those who tried. What’s your take on the impact of these players? Let’s keep the conversation going!
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