Meeting the Legend Diana Taurasi

When we received our press passes for The National last year, I circled Diana Taurasi as my main focus. With a lineup stacked with Hall of Famers and legends, you can't see them all. With no disrespect to the others, Taurasi stood out.

To list all of her accomplishments would take more space and time than I have. She was an elite basketball player at UConn. She also is the most decorated Olympic athlete in any team sport, winning six gold medals with Team USA. She then played 20 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA, winning three titles and an MVP award. She is one of the greatest of all-time. Some would say top five and I would not disagree.

When we met Taurasi, she was very gracious. Time is limited, but Taurasi made it special. She asked our names and thanked us for being there. That might sound standard, but it isn't especially when someone like Taurasi is very much in demand.

On the topic of the WNBA, the players and league are in a negotiation for the upcoming seasons. While many argue over who is right and predict no season for the league, I am stating here there will be a season. After years of losing a lot of money (not unusual for a startup league), the WNBA enjoyed its best season last year. I don't know the real numbers, but it was a major improvement and the new television deal will make things even better. There is no way either side will give up that money and momentum.

Tony, Diana Taurasi and me in Rosemont-August 2025.

On the Beat With the Phoenix Mercury 07/03/2021

The Phoenix Mercury held a media session featuring Diana Taurasi after game day shoot-around. Surprisingly, among the few topics, that night's game with the Minnesota Lynx was not discussed.

The session started with Taurasi discussing teammate Brittney Griner. Taurasi praised Griner's play, but wasn't so complimentary of her team's overall shooting. Taurasi talked about the team's inconsistencies. At 7-8 (then), those inconsistencies are holding the Mercury from sustaining winning streaks.

Lastly, Taurasi talked about the Olympics. A four-time gold medal winner at the Olympics, Taurasi had a lot to say about representing her country, playing with her Phoenix teammates and her other Olympics.

Any time I can be in a media session with Taurasi is a privilege. The team GOAT gets bounced around a lot, but Taurasi is truly in the conversation for WNBA GOAT. She recently became the first WNBA player to reach 9,000 points in her career. 

Among a long list of career achievements, Taurasi is a three-time WNBA champ and a 10 time WNBA All-Star. She also is one of the best players in media sessions. She has the knowledge as a veteran of 17 seasons and the enthusiasm of a rookie.

Unfortunately for Taurasi and the Mercury, Minnesota would beat them handily 99-68. Taurasi's thoughts on shooting inconsistencies were on target, as the Merc shot only 32.8% (21/64), as opposed to the Lynx's 55.1% (38/69). The Merc also lost the rebound battle 41-26. Those stats will not get you many wins. Taurasi had 11 points on 2-9 shooting. For the season, Taurasi is hitting 36,3% from the field, her worst percentage of her career (except for her abbreviated 2019 season of six games

The Mercury stand at 7-9, in fifth place in the Western Conference. They are in a virtual tie with Washington (7-10) for what would be the final playoff spot since the WNBA ignores conferences in the playoffs. More unfortunate news for the Mercury comes in the way of their next three games. Heading into the Olympics break, they travel to Las Vegas, then have a home and away series against Seattle. Facing the two best teams isn't the best way to gain momentum. 

That interview session can be found at On the Beat With the Phoenix Mercury 07/03/2021. Check back here, on Patch.com, GlobalTravelerUSA.com and GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com for my recurring coverage of the WNBA.

On the Beat With the Phoenix Mercury 05/06/2021

The Phoenix Mercury held a press session from training camp. Players, Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Skylar Diggins-Smith and Kia Nurse discussed a variety of topics from very serious issues to lighter, but still important subjects.

Taurasi led off by discussing her offseason routine. For Taurasi, playing is a year-round job. During the season her job is on the court, but in the offseason, she works out daily to stay in top shape. She's always looking for new physical challenges to keep getting better.

She talked about being considered a G.O.A.T. Ever humble, she called it an honor, but was quick to point out it's a team effort and there are many great players.

Lastly, she discussed, or I should say dismissed, social media. While she acknowledges it has positives and it serves a purpose, she calmly stated it doesn't impact her at all.

Griner continued the talk about social media, basically echoing Taurasi. Griner has battled bullies most of her life and has risen above it all. Social media bullies or unfair criticisms won't affect her much. She did admit she is human like everyone else and sometimes things do get to her, but mostly she is unaffected. Griner also compared playing in Russia to the WNBA.

Skylar Diggins-Smith was next, talking about the upcoming season. She also gave her thoughts on the WNBA branding, along with the messages and public stance of the league and the players. This was one of the most serious parts of the session. She was direct and eloquent as she discussed the league's actions and impact.

Mercury newcomer Nurse finished the session on a lighter note as she discussed her personal branding. She has exciting things coming up and she was happy to discuss upcoming releases, as well as promising she sill continue to bring the heat.

Nurs finished by delving into the topic of expansion, specifically into Toronto, Canada. A native of Ontario, Nurse felt Toronto would be a great place for a team and the WNBA will eventually expand. She gave her thoughts on being involved in ownership, chuckling that the league wouldn't let that happen if she was still playing.

Today's session was very interesting The four athletes come from different places with unique perspectives. They are in different parts of their careers, but all united for the team and in the efforts of the league. It was a fun session, yet also highlighted by serious, frank discussions of the growth of the league on and of the court.

The media session is at On the Beat With the Phoenix Mercury 05/06/2021. Go to WNBA.com for more info on the Mercury and the WNBA. Check back here for my coverage, as well as GlobalTravelerUSA.com, GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com and Patch.com.

On the Beat With the Phoenix Mercury 04/25/2021

The first day of the Phoenix Mercury training camp was the tale of opposites. The legendary veteran is signed for two years and ready to have another great season, while the rookie Tiana Mangakahia is ready to start carving her own niche in the league.

Taurasi is entering her 18th WNBA season, all with the Phoenix Mercury. Having signed a two year contract in the offseason, Taurasi will most likely end her career with the Mercury, although she's not ready to say this will be her last contract.

Coach Sandy Brondello discussed having the legend and the rookie in camp. She is already familiar with Mangakahia from their time with Team Australia. Brondello thinks the combination of experience and youth between the two will produce winning results.

In the press session, the nine-time All-Star talked about creating challenges for herself every offseason. Taurasi said she works every day in the gym. She performs various drills to work on every aspect of conditioning and her game in particular.

As the team vet, everyone looks to Taurasi. That is especially the case with newcomer  Mangakahia.

The rookie talked about watching Taurasi and learning from her. Mangakahia stated, “I just feel very blessed for this opportunity, especially learning from Skylar (Diggins-Smith) and Diana.

Taurasi returned the compliment. “What an incredible story. “What an incredible fighter she is. To be able to get through and to be back on the court doing something that she loves is amazing.”

The fight Taurasi is referencing is Mangakahia's battle with breast cancer. In 2019, she fought stage 2, grade 3 breast cancer, including eight rounds of chemotherapy and a bilateral mastectomy. She underwent 18 months of post-surgery hormonal treatment. The good news is she is off medication, feeling great and ready to follow Taurasi's lead, while creating her own legacy.

Check this interview session at On the Beat With the Phoenix Mercury 04/25/2021. Also, go to WNBA.com for more info on the league and the Mercury.

On the Beat With Diana Taurasi of the WNBA Phoenix Mercury

The Phoenix Mercury announced Diana Taurasi signed a multi-year extension. The contract should assure that nine-time WNBA All-Star, two-time WNBA Finals MVP, 2009 WNBA MVP and the three-time WNBA Champion Diana Taurasi will remain with the Merrcury for the duration of her career.

Mercury General Manager Jim Pitman spoke about Taurasi, ““WNBA players are more empowered and in control of their careers than ever before, and it is an incredibly important statement that Diana Taurasi has chosen to re-sign with the Mercury once again. Diana has given her entire career to our organization and community, and we don’t take for granted her unrivaled impact on basketball in the Valley. Her commitment to getting back on the court last year, and the level of play we saw from her in the Wubble, make us confident she has more All-WNBA days ahead of her.”

After missing most of the 2019 season with a back surgery, Taurasi returned last season to lead the Mercury in scoring with an 18.7 points per game average, good for fifth highest in the WNBA. She also averages 4.5 assists per game, the eighth most in the league. Taurasi led the Mercury to the fifth best record in the WNBA, despite scuffling through the season with a roster depleted by injuries.

For her career, in 17 seasons with the Mercury, Taurasi has played (and started) 456 games, averaging 19.6 points, 4.3 assists, 4.0 rebounds 1.0 steals and 0.7 blocks per game. She also averaged an incredible 31.0 minutes per game. Even last season, at 38 and coming off the injury, Taurasi averaged 28.1 minutes per game. In her career, she has a 43.2% shooting percentage from the field, 36.7 from three point land and 87.1% from the free throw line. 

The Mercury finished 13-9 last season, good for fifth place in the Western Conference. With the reshuffling of teams in the playoffs, the Mercury were the #5 seed.

In the press session, Taurasi talked about playing as she gets older, her legacy, the importance of playing her whole career with the Mercury and more. 

Taurasi was poised, relaxed and focused. Despite it being the offseason, Taurasi looks ready to play today. With her contract done, she can now focus on the task at hand, winning another WNBA title. Check my other coverage on GlobalTravelerUSA.com, Patch.com and GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com. Also, check WNBA.com for more info on all of the teams and players.

On the Beat With the Phoenix Mercury

The WNBA Phoenix Mercury held a Media Day from “The Bubble” in Florida. Players Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Bria Hartley and Coach Sandy Brondello took turns in the hot seat as reporters from all over the country asked questions.

I was an interesting experience. In normal times, I never would have had the chance to be a part of the Mercury's Media Day. I wrote about it at Phoenix Mercury Media Day for Global Women's Sports Radio.
The most interesting and important part was when Diggins-Smith talked about the social movement. She admitted she wears her heart on her sleeve, but that was plenty evident as she talked about how hard it was being an African American women. She was close to tears. Although it was tough seeing her pain, it was also a positive experience. We got to see raw emotion from a player and on a much bigger issue than basketball.
The others echoed the same sentiments. Everyone seems to be on the same page about the social issues. They are using their status as a platform to make change. They are doing all in a positive manner.
They also talked about not missing the travel and the hectic pace. The new environment allowed them to have better and quicker access to most of the amenities, like food, the gym, a trainer and the rest of normal daily needs.
I appreciate the Mercury organization for allowing me access on Media Day. I appreciate the time and consideration form all of the players and Coach Brondello. Go to Phoenix Mercury for more info on the team and the WNBA.