The Phoenix Mercury have a rich history of drafting talented players, some of whom have gone on to achieve great success in the WNBA. In 2017, their sole pick was Alexis Prince, but it’s the 2016 draft that truly stands out. This year, the Mercury had three picks, with their first selection eventually blossoming into an All-Star. This article delves into the Mercury’s 2016 draft class and explores the careers of the players they selected, highlighting their journey from college to the WNBA and beyond.
This article will explore the Mercury’s draft picks from 2016, examining their contributions to the team and their subsequent careers in the WNBA and overseas. From Courtney Williams’ All-Star recognition to the varied paths of Jillian Alleyne and Nirra Fields, we’ll uncover the stories behind these athletes and their impact on the sport.
The 2017 Pick: Alexis Prince
In 2017, the Phoenix Mercury had just one draft pick, which they used to select Alexis Prince. Prince appeared in 18 games that season before being waived. Over the years, she had stints with the Atlanta Dream and the Chicago Sky. Notably, she also signed a training camp contract with the Mercury, showcasing her journey and perseverance in the league.
During her brief return to the Mercury, Prince played in one game, grabbing eight rebounds, scoring two points, and dishing out one assist. While her time with the team was limited, her contributions were a testament to her dedication and willingness to compete at the highest level.
Drafting Courtney Williams: The 8th Pick
Before drafting Prince, the Phoenix Mercury had a more eventful draft in 2016, holding three picks, including the eighth overall selection. With that pick, they chose Courtney Williams, a player who would later become an All-Star. Although Williams only played six games for the Mercury before being traded to the Connecticut Sun, her career trajectory took off from there.
In Connecticut, Williams showcased her potential, appearing in 19 games and averaging 8.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. This marked the beginning of her ascent in the WNBA, setting the stage for future success and recognition.
Courtney Williams Becomes an All-Star
After three seasons with the Sun, Williams was traded to the Atlanta Dream, where she experienced a career-best season. She averaged 16.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, four assists, and 1.1 steals, earning her first All-Star selection. Her impressive performance highlighted her growth as a player and her ability to make a significant impact on the court.
Williams’ journey continued in 2022 when she returned to the Sun. Following a year with the team, she joined the Chicago Sky and eventually became a key player for the Minnesota Lynx. Despite her short stint with the Mercury, Williams found success elsewhere, proving her talent and determination in the WNBA.
Jillian Alleyne: The 20th Pick
In the same 2016 draft, the Mercury also selected Jillian Alleyne with the 20th overall pick. Alleyne had a remarkable college career with the Oregon Ducks, particularly her sophomore season, where she averaged 21.4 points, 16.2 rebounds, two assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.1 blocks. Despite her strong college performance, Alleyne never played for the Mercury, but she did spend time with the Lynx and later the Washington Mystics.
Alleyne’s college stats demonstrated her potential as a dominant post player, but her WNBA career was short-lived. Nevertheless, her time with the Lynx and Mystics provided her with valuable experience and exposure in the league.
Nirra Fields: From UCLA to Overseas
The Mercury’s final pick in the 2016 draft was Nirra Fields, who played college basketball at UCLA. Similar to Alleyne, Fields had her best season as a sophomore, averaging 17.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Like Alleyne, her time with the Mercury was brief, leading her to pursue a career overseas.
Fields’ journey took her to international leagues, where she continued to develop her skills and gain experience. While her WNBA career didn’t pan out as expected, her time overseas allowed her to compete at a high level and represent her country on the international stage.
A Draft Class of Varied Paths
The Phoenix Mercury’s 2016 draft class exemplifies the diverse paths that WNBA players can take. From Courtney Williams’ All-Star recognition to the overseas careers of Nirra Fields and Jillian Alleyne and the brief stint of Alexis Prince, each player’s journey is unique and filled with challenges and triumphs. While not all draftees find long-term success with the team that initially selects them, their contributions to the sport are significant and worth remembering.
The 2016 draft serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the importance of perseverance. These players’ stories highlight the commitment and resilience required to succeed in the WNBA and beyond, leaving a lasting impact on the league and inspiring future generations of basketball players.
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