[22] For the season, the rookie averaged 17.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. She was an All Star for the second straight year, but the Mercury faded down the stretch and again missed the playoffs. Taurasi scored 26 points in the win. She tries to leave it at home or in her hotel room. It was their 46th time facing each other, tying the WNBA record for the most meetings between two players. It was a night of family and reminiscing. In 2020, the season was delayed and shortened to 22 games in a bubble at IMG Academy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We found 4 phone numbers and email addresses. Taurasi was selected to be a member of the national team for the World Championships. Diana Taurasi's late game action has gotten her into some trouble. Free shipping for many products! "I think of this as another game in the story of our WNBA like, quote, unquote, rivalry. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2022 Panini Prizm WNBA Base Basketball Card #6 - Diana Taurasi - Phoenix Mercury at the best online prices at eBay! She was embraced and celebrated by a mixture of Mercury and Storm fans. Last year Taurasi, who will turn 41 in June, averaged 16.2 points, 3.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds before her season was cut short by a quad injury. But on Friday afternoon, as she sat in her room at the Hotel Palomar across the street from the arena, a show on ESPN discussed her and Taurasi. "The way she prepares her body, how much she cares about winning, and how much she cares about our franchise on and off the court are just a few of the things that make her a transcendent athlete and quite literally the greatest of all time. Taurasi, as she's known to do, also got in one last rib. They appreciated what was unfolding before them Friday night. Within mere seconds, a crowd descended upon her as she inked her name on everything from mini basketballs to jerseys while signing in a complete 360. It was a night of family and reminiscing. 2023 Cond Nast. It's times like that where, in private, Bird let herself experience the emotion of facing her best friend for the last time in the regular season. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. But at the end of the day, it always came back to Phoenix." (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) PHOENIX - As Diana Taurasi officially signed a contract that will keep her with the Phoenix Mercury for another two years, it . That's the one thing that we've dedicated our whole lives to. "It's time for you to go," she said, tongue in cheek, on the big screen looming above the court. Next, they swept the San Antonio Silver Stars in a hard-fought two-game series and Taurasi advanced to her first WNBA Finals, against the defending champion Detroit Shock. Off to continue to be best friends some more, the night and the hype over, another memory for the two of them written. I'll let my players know they can draw blood and a foul won't be called.". Taurasi plans on coming back to the WNBA despite retiring. She's averaged 16.2 points, 3.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds in her career. The Mercury advanced to the second round beating the Fever in the first round elimination game as Taurasi scored 20 points. West Elm x PBK Mid-Century 6-Drawer Changing Table. For the 2014 WNBA season, Taurasi made just under the league maximum of $107,000. "If the opportunity comes to play and be a part of it, its something Ive always taken a lot of pride in. [46][47] The Mercury had finished 139 as the number 5 seed, they defeated the Washington Mystics 8584 in the first round elimination game, however they would get eliminated by the Minnesota Lynx in the second round elimination game by a final score of 8079. They laughed like old friends, the recent sting of a loss for Bird and the pride of one last triumph over her best friend for Taurasi not to be found. But that could change in the next game. ", 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Still in their own jerseys, hidden under shooting shirts, with their Nikes still tied, Taurasi and Bird were still together as they turned toward a security door. In the closest match of the tournament, the semifinal game against Brazil, Taurasi connected on seven of her eleven three-point attempts and ended the game with 26 points. Diana Lorena Taurasi (born June 11, 1982) is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Mercury of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), and is considered to be one of the greatest women basketball players of all time. The 40-year-old Taurasi has won three WNBA titles in Phoenix and been honored as the league's MVP in 2009. Pottery Barn Kids made it easy for us to put together a beautiful nursery without compromising style or quality, Taylor says. [28] The Mercury proceeded to finish the season 727 as the second worst team in the league. The Mercury, who beat the Chicago Sky 91-86 in overtime to even the WNBA Finals . 2023 FOX Television Stations, from SAT 2:00 PM MST until SUN 2:00 PM MST, Maricopa County, from SUN 5:00 AM MST until SUN 8:00 PM MST, Kaibab Plateau, Marble and Glen Canyons, Grand Canyon Country, Coconino Plateau, Northeast Plateaus and Mesas Hwy 264 Northward, Chinle Valley, Chuska Mountains and Defiance Plateau, Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County, Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County, Little Colorado River Valley in Apache County, Western Mogollon Rim, Eastern Mogollon Rim, White Mountains, Black Mesa Area, Northeast Plateaus and Mesas South of Hwy 264, Off-duty officer shot at shoplifting suspect at Laveen Walmart: PD, Frederick, MD tanker explosion leaves 1 dead; Shuts down part of US-15, Housing affordability at record low, report says, Winter Weather: Flagstaff officials warn of roof failure dangers following extreme snow loads, Disneyland banned Rebel Wilson over selfie, actress says, 3 Daughters head brewer killed in Skyway Bridge accident, company says, Break-in suspect found stuck in the ceiling of North Phoenix business: police, South Carolina traffic stop leads to drivers brain tumor diagnosis, Dead woman found tied up, wrapped in tarp in abandoned Monroe County building, sources say, Armed robbery suspect wanted for stealing from Chandler Walmart, Driver arrested in Phoenix hit-and-run that killed child, Man shot in downtown Phoenix, no arrests made, Buckeye mom accused of killing adoptive son extradited to Arizona. She received a standing ovation when she received the Mercury's gift and another cheer when she was introduced -- just like Taurasi complained about. Taurasi then flew from Las Vegas, where the game took place, back to Phoenix, arriving in time to witness Taylor give birth on October 9, 2021, at 4:24am to the couple's first daughter. The sixth game was against undefeated Australia Team USA jumped out to a 24-point lead and ultimately prevailed 8375. There was more than one of Bird's UConn jerseys in the crowd and a handful of Bird's Team USA jerseys. Kalmanovich was a successful business man with various interests, including women's basketball. Diana Taurasi in 2018. Taurasi told The Associated Press earlier this month while participating in a USA Basketball training camp that she had her eyes on the Paris Games, which shed be 42 years old at. "If the opportunity comes to play and be a part of it, its something Ive always taken a lot of pride in. She later told People magazine in an interview It was the most amazing and beautiful day of our lives. "It's exciting to start a new chapter off the court with our families and making other memories in other ways," Taurasi said. Entering the 2014 season, Taurasi reached the number two spot in career points per game, fifth place in career points, and ninth in career assists. In April 2019, the Mercury announced that Taurasi's spouse, Penny Taylor,[42] had been hired as an assistant coach.[43]. The 40-year old Taurasi is a 10-time All-Star and three-time WNBA champion. In September 2019, Taurasiwho remained under contract with the Mercuryconfirmed that she intended to play for the team in 2020.[45][43]. After a Game 5 win on October 8, 2021, Taurasi had a message for Taylor in her post-game interview, closing it with "Hold it in babe, I'm coming". malls, fading from their hip glory days, may get new lives as apartments, Kim Zolciak-Biermann can rest easy in her Georgia mansion: Foreclosure auction is off, Mark Wahlberg sells lavish Beverly Park mega-mansion for $55 million. Why are we clapping for Sue Bird, dammit?' Last season she was averaging 23.2 points after the All-Star break before having her season cut short by a quad injury. But also not letting it overcome me in a way that's going to take me out of the game.". Their genuine affection for each other was hard to miss throughout the evening. [58], In 20162017, Taurasi would once again return to UMMC, helping the team to its eleventh league championship. The team dominated national and international competitions, winning the 201213 EuroLeague (second time for the club), Russian Championship and Russian Cup. However, she mainly plays guard. La veterana Diana Taurasi regresar a la WNBA para su temporada 19 con las Phoenix Mercury. By signing a multiyear contract it keeps the door open for Taurasi to play in the 2024 Olympics. Taurasi, who was recently voted the league's greatest in its 25-year history, has been fined $2,500 by the WNBA for "making inappropriate contact with a game official," head of WNBA League Operations, Bethany Donaphin, announced Thursday. [35] In the second round elimination game, the Mercury beat the New York Liberty advancing to the semifinals (the last round before the WNBA finals) with Taurasi scoring a game-high 30 points in the win. They defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 21 in the first round, advancing to the conference finals, but would lose to the Minnesota Lynx in a 2-game sweep. In the 20112012 season Taurasi played for Galatasaray, the other major team from Istanbul and Fenerbahe's long time rival; Taurasi joined WNBA stars Epiphanny Prince, Sylvia Fowles, Tina Charles and Ticha Penicheiro. Though expected to play through the end of the 20172018 season with the team, Taurasi announced her retirement from European competition in December 2017. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? She's averaged 16.2 points, 3.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds in her career. Their roster was further bolstered by the addition of rookie Cappie Pondexter, the #2 overall selection in the 2006 WNBA draft, forming a Big 3 of Taurasi, Pondexter and Taylor. Nothing's guaranteed. In her WNBA debut, Taurasi scored 22 points in a 7266 Mercury loss to the Sacramento Monarchs. PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 27: Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury during the first half of the WNBA game at Footprint Center on June 27, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. Without Taurasi, who picked up her first ejection since 2019 and has earned three technicals so far in 2022, Phoenix rallied back from a double-figure deficit to storm ahead by eight going into the fourth. The team was coached by Geno Auriemma. [40] Taurasi would also earn her ninth career all-star appearance after being voted into the 2018 WNBA All-Star Game. She holds the franchise record in 16 categories and with 9,693 points in her career should go over the 10,000-point mark next season if she stays healthy. "I'm the leader, so it's all on me. Taurasi grew up in Chino, California, where she attended and played basketball at Don Antonio Lugo High School. We look forward to more accolades, more historic moments, and more wins.". Results for this person or the person you are looking for are not guaranteed to appear in search results. Taurasi was one of 21 finalists for the 2012 US women's Olympic team roster. Bird jerseys in Seattle's trademark yellow and green stood out against the purple and black Mercury threads. "It's no surprise, everyone knows that Dee can get to that level. Last season she was averaging 23.2 points after the All-Star break before having her season cut short by a quad injury. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The five-time Olympic gold medalist was voted the by fans as the greatest WNBA player of all-time in 2021. Diana has lived with Mario in a single family house in Chino, CA. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images). The WNBAs all-time leading scorer has only played with the Mercury since being drafted No. It's times like that where, in private, Bird let herself experience the emotion of facing her best friend for the last time in the regular season. I think the returning players who have been here, they did a good job communicating to us just 'we need to stay together,'" said Tina Charles, who led all scorers with a season-high 25 points. Diana Taurasi has re-signed with the Phoenix Mercury, agreeing to a multiyear contract, the team announced Saturday. The 40-year-old Taurasi has won three WNBA titles in Phoenix and been honored as the league's MVP in 2009. By signing a multiyear contract it keeps the door open for Taurasi to play in the 2024 Olympics. The 6-foot-9 center announced in December when she returned home from her 10-month ordeal in Russia that she planned to remain with Phoenix and play with the Mercury. Ad Choices, The married Olympians, currently expecting their second child, worked with Pottery Barn Kids to create a room that reflects their vegan values, This New Jersey Lake House Showcases a Love of Japandi Style, The 1916 bungalow on the water is a place of tranquility, inside and out, The Drop List: New Releases From Le Labo, Sophie Lou Jacobsen x Maison Balzac, Areaware, and More, Bringing you the latest and greatest in design and decor, Inside a Renewed London Townhouse Steps From Buckingham Palace, Architect Daniel Goldberg brought a luxurious, contemporary heart to this restored heritage building, This 700-Square-Foot Ecuadorian Retreat Is in Sync With Nature, The compact home at the base of the Andes Mountains is a breath of fresh air. In the second round elimination game, the Mercury defeated the Connecticut Sun 9686, advancing to the semi-finals for the third year in a row, they would face off against the Seattle Storm. She's averaged 16.2 points, 3.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds in her career. If she were to play in those Olympics she could potentially win a sixth gold medal, breaking a tie with former U.S. teammate Sue Bird for most all-time in the sport. It was their 46th time facing each other, tying the WNBA record for the most meetings between two players. When you get to my age at this point in my career, you just try to win every day. We look forward to more accolades, more historic moments, and more wins.. "There was no extra anything on this," Bird said. [73], Last edited on 23 February 2023, at 14:10, USBWA Women's National Player of the Year, USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year, 200304 Connecticut Huskies women's basketball team, List of athletes with the most appearances at Olympic Games, List of Connecticut women's basketball players with 1000 points, List of Connecticut Huskies women's basketball players with 500 assists, List of Women's National Basketball Association season scoring leaders, " :: :: ", "The Olympic history of UConn's Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi", "WNBA Continues Celebration Of Landmark 25th Season, Names Greatest Players In League History, "The W25", "Diana Taurasi Voted By Fans As WNBA's Greatest Player of All Time", "Taurasi becomes WNBA all-time leading scorer", "Calling it a 'bittersweet moment,' Phoenix guard Diana Taurasi scores season-high 34 while wearing Kobe Bryant's No. She broke Katie Smith's league records for points in a season (741 during the 2006 season). Scoring Record", "Mercury's Diana Taurasi to rest, sit out 2015 WNBA season FOX Sports", "Diana Taurasi Sets WNBA Record For Most Postseason Three-Pointers WNBA.com Official Site of the WNBA", "Mercury, Taurasi Agree to Multi-Year Extension WNBA.com Official Site of the WNBA", "Diana Taurasi Makes History WNBA.com Official Site of the WNBA", "Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi becomes WNBA's all-time scoring leader", "Mercury's Diana Taurasi reaches 8,000-point milestone", "Diana Taurasi Becomes WNBA's All-Time Field Goal Leader", "Taurasi's 37 points push Mercury past Aces", "Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi marries former Mercury player Penny Taylor", "Penny Taylor returning to Phoenix Mercury as assistant coach", "Diana Taurasi out for 10-12 weeks after undergoing back procedure", "Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner plan to return for Phoenix Mercury in 2020", "Diana Taurasi Scores 34 PTS While Wearing No. Taurasi led her team to a tie series after a Game 1 loss (by 4 points) making history. Matt Waxman of One Pacific Real Estate represented the buyer in the sale. 1 by the team in 2004. E.g. When Bird went to Taurasi's house on Thursday night to see Taurasi's wife, Penny Taylor, and their two kids, they talked. ESPN. After 8 years of dating, Taurasi wed her former teammate, who at the time was the Phoenix Mercury Director of Player Development and Performance on May 13, 2017. Bird's greeting was no different Friday night. PHOENIX -- Almost 25 minutes after Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi sent her best friend, Seattle Storm star Sue Bird, off into the sunset of their own personal rivalry, they were navigating the underbelly of the downtown Footprint Center on Friday night trying to figure out which way to go. This 4,599 square foot home is the last known address for Diana. [6] Her penchant for scoring in crucial situations has earned her the nickname "White Mamba", coined by Kobe Bryant. The event was held in July 2000, when Team USA defeated Cuba to win the championship. Taurasi also set a WNBA record with 121 three-pointers made in a single season. "They are special, right? The returns for season 19 on a multi-year contract!https://t.co/d5qEpJ4gyD pic.twitter.com/qkdYytqr62, Im still competitive, still driven, still want to play, I still love being a part of USA Basketball, she said. Feb. 2, 2021. But on Friday afternoon, as she sat in her room at the Hotel Palomar across the street from the arena, a show on ESPN discussed her and Taurasi. Weve greatly evolved over the last several years, and the environmental and compassionate reasons for being vegan have become a huge part of our lives. [51] In a statement, the Turkish basketball association revealed that the WADA-list banned substance was modafinil. 1 by the team in 2004. By signing a multi-year contract it keeps the door open for Taurasi to play in the 2024 Olympics. "Diana Taurasi belongs in a Mercury uniform, and we are grateful for . The Euroleague tournament ended in the quarter-finals, where Dynamo was eliminated by former champions CSKA Samara. Taurasi will continue with the Mercury, the only WNBA franchise for which she has played, in Season 19 in 2023. Still in their own jerseys, hidden under shooting shirts, with their Nikes still tied, Taurasi and Bird were still together as they turned toward a security door. Its been mere weeks since Diana Taurasi won an eco-friendly Olympic gold medal (this years prizes were made from recycled electronics) with the USA womens basketball team, who beat Japan 90-75 during the championship match at the Tokyo Games. Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi paid $3.3 million for a house in Manhattan Beach, joining Steve Nash, Jeff Carter and other Los Angeles sports stars who call the South Bay home. If she is physically bleeding, there's blood dripping off of her, and it's not a foul, and you expect her not to be upset, and she's hit multiple times before, and she's officiated in a different way. Phoenix Mercury Star Skylar Diggins Smith Calls Her Coach A Clown . Diana has lived with Jessika in a single family house in Chino, CA. After obtaining Charles and Diamond DeShields in free agency, the Mercury were tabbed potential championship contenders with their lineup full of Olympians, All-Stars and budding young talent. Will someone boo her please? She's averaged 16.2 points, 3.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds in her career. Speaking to ESPN in 2017, Diana Taurasi gushed of wife Penny Taylor, "We both found something in each other that made us each a betterperson, a better teammate. The team continued to dominate with victory margins exceeding 20 points in the first five games. Taurasi, 32, has excelled at nearly every stage of her collegiate and professional career. Former NBA coach Paul Westhead became the Mercury's head coach prior to the 2006 season and brought his up-tempo style to Phoenix. But to Bird, publicly, No. The Cirrus pendant lamps gentle curves are reminiscent of sand dunes, and the West Elm x PBK Modern Icon Mobile calls to mind an art installation in the desert. In the semi-finals, the Mercury would face the championship defending Minnesota Lynx in the best-of-5 series and would be swept 3 games to 0. [52] On February 16, 2011, Taurasi was finally cleared of doping allegations. Others who had achieved this were Ruth Riley, Sheryl Swoopes, Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, and fellow Huskies Swin Cash, Kara Wolters, and Sue Bird, with further players added to the list in following years. In the first round elimination game, the Mercury defeated the Dallas Wings 10183. They turned corners. 2006 would be an historic season for Taurasi as she flourished under Westhead's system, leading the league in scoring and earning a third straight trip to the All Star Game. "Her whole arm is scratched up and bleeding. Uncover details about birth, marriage, and divorce. Because many team members were still playing in the WNBA until just prior to the event, the team had only one day of practice with the entire team before leaving for Ostrava and Karlovy Vary. "It's exciting to start a new chapter off the court with our families and making other memories in other ways," Taurasi said. Taurasi pounded her fist in her hand and shouted at referee Jenna Reneau on the baseline. Your contact infoWe'll be in touch if we look into your question. To the left of the West Elm x PBK Mid-century Convertible Crib is the Modern Wingback Swivel Glider Recliner. They backtracked. "I'm kinda glad it's over," Taurasi said after the game. Taurasi and Bird have learned that countless times in their careers. Fair Trade certification ensures that products are made ethically, that workers environments are safe, and that theyre paid adequately. Courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids Celebrity Style How Basketball Couple. [7] Taurasi is one of 11 women to win an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA Championship, a FIBA World Cup gold and a WNBA Championship. I don't really get it. "[15], Taurasi also received many personal accolades at UConn including the 2003 and 2004 Naismith College Player of the Year awards, the 2003 Wade Trophy, the 2003 and 2004 Honda Sports Award and the 2003 Associated Press Player of the Year award. They were eager to ground the room in sustainability, conscious living, and inspiration from Arizonas natural landscapes. [72], Taylor expected to give birth to the couple's second child on October 6, 2021, but the baby was late. With this victory Taurasi became the seventh player ever to win an NCAA title, a WNBA title, and an Olympic gold medal. Financial terms of the dealwere not disclosed. February 18, 2023. She holds the franchise record in 16 categories and with 9,693 points in her career should go over the 10,000-point mark next season if she stays healthy. The WNBA's all-time leading scorer has only played with the Mercury since being drafted No. How Breanna Stewart's move impacts the Liberty, Storm and the WNBA, WNBA free agency and trade tracker: Latest deals and news, Sparks' Talbot to miss season with torn ACL, Source: Griner back with Mercury on 1-year deal, Taurasi, 40, signs multiyear deal with Mercury, ESPN's Rowe, Spears receive Curt Gowdy award, Happy birthdays to MJ: Jordan's not the only one sharing his birthday with big-name stars, Former Iowa, Storm center Edwards dies at 49, Jefferson leaves Lynx, signs contract with Mercury, Rivals and best friends: Inside the 'special, rare' Sue Bird-Diana Taurasi friendship, Member of Pro Football Writers of America. Taurasi led the team in scoring with 12.0 points per game and was second on the team with 23 assists.[69]. Vandersloot to New York, the rise of superteams and a Liberty-Aces WNBA Finals? But that could change in the next game. But to Bird, publicly, No. Mario and Liliana Taurasi emigrated from Argentina to the United States before Diana was born. That Taurasi scored 28 points or made six 3-pointers or that Bird scored just two points and had just five assists or that the Mercury won 94-78 didn't seem to matter. 8", "Taurasi Meets High Schooler Who Shattered Her Record,", "Past WBCA HS Coaches' All-America Teams", "WBCA High School All-America Game Box Scores", "WBCA High School All-America Game Team MVP's", "UConn's Taurasi proves why she's best in nation", "Senator nominates UConn's Taurasi for state heroine", "Women's Basketball 1995 National Championship Team to be Recognized as "Huskies of Honor", "ESPN.com: WNBA - Taurasi impressive in debut, but not successful", "Taurasi, Pondexter lead Mercury to second title in three years", "North Jersey News and Information | NorthJersey.com", "WNBA loses star Diana Taurasi for season because of big Russia payday", "Russian team offering Diana Taurasi more than her WNBA salary to rest", "Russian team pays Taurasi to sit out WNBA season", "Taurasi opts for rest, to skip WNBA season", "Diana Taurasi Breaks W.N.B.A. So, for me, personally, I really have to monitor that and control that a little bit and find that balance of enjoying these moments. Taurasi's international career began in 2005 when she played for Dynamo Moscow, a team that had been dominant in the Russian league until the late 90s, and even the 2005 runner-up, but was slowly declining at that time. During a pregame ceremony that included a video tribute, Taurasi presented Bird with a pair of custom Jordan 1s that honor Bird and her career. [11] She was also named the 2000 Naismith and Parade Magazine National High School Player of the Year, and the 1999 and 2000 Ms. Basketball State Player of the Year. She returned for the second round single elimination game against the reigning champions Seattle Storm which the Mercury won in overtime. Im still competitive, still driven, still want to play, I still love being a part of USA Basketball, she said. "That was out of line. KJZZ is a service of Rio Salado College, and Maricopa Community Colleges PHOENIX - The three-time WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury today re-signed the face of the franchise and the Greatest of All-Time, Diana Taurasi, to a multi-year contract, the team announced. He graduated from Arizona State and covered real estate news for Realtor.com before joining The Times. "I don't think of it beyond that. In the best of five semi final series against the Las Vegas Aces. A piece of art called Rise II hangs above the West Elm x PBK Mid-Century 6-Drawer Changing Table. In 2012, Taurasi had an injury-riddled season, playing only eight games. Taurasi was an unrestricted free agent, but it was expected that she'd go back to Phoenix. All rights reserved, Mets Fans Use Pitch Clock to Try to Fool Nationals Pitcher, Anthony Richardson Sets QB Combine Records in Vertical, Broad Jumps, Novak Djokovic Denied' US Entry Ahead Of Indian Wells, Joe Biden Asked To Intervene, Counseling Services Offered After Three Children Killed, Two Hurt In Ellis County, Don't Push a Slower Friend Down' If You See a Bear, National Park Service Says, Couple on Hawaii Honeymoon Says Snorkeling Tour Group Abandoned Them in the Ocean. All rights reserved. After Bird's warm-up, she stopped to sign autographs on her way to the locker room. Its the fifth gold medal Taurasi has brought back to the Arizona home she shares with Penny Taylor, a two-time Olympic silver medalist herself (with team Australia). The Mercury still need to re-sign Brittney Griner, who is also a free agent. She has also been selected to ten WNBA All-Star teams and fourteen All-WNBA teams (including ten first-team selections). Following her collegiate career, Taurasi was selected first overall in the 2004 WNBA draft by the Phoenix Mercury,[21] a team that went 826 in the 2003 season. Diana Taurasi (left) and Penny Taylor (right) were teammates on the Phoenix Mercury prior to Taylor's retirement in 2016.
