Phoenix's Love Affair with USC: A Basketball Legacy
The Mercury and USC: A Tale as Old as Time.
The Phoenix Mercury's connection to the University of Southern California (USC) is a story that dates back to the very beginning. While the Mercury didn't have a USC player on their roster during their inaugural season, the seeds of this basketball romance were sown by none other than their first coach, a Trojan legend.
Cheryl Miller, the inaugural coach of the Mercury, was a force to be reckoned with at USC. Her stats are impressive: 23.6 points, 12 rebounds, 3.6 steals, 3.2 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game over her four-year career. But here's where it gets even more remarkable: her third year saw her average a staggering 26.8 points, 15.8 rebounds, 3.9 steals, 2.9 assists, and 2.7 blocks. A true Trojan warrior on the court!
Miller's coaching stint with the Mercury lasted four seasons, guiding them to the playoffs thrice. But what happened next is a testament to the enduring nature of this USC-Mercury bond.
When Miller stepped down after the 2000 season, another USC legend stepped up. Cynthia Cooper, who had a stellar playing career, took the reins as head coach. Cooper's connection to USC and the Mercury doesn't end there. She was part of the league's allocation process, which sent her to the Houston Comets, but her path would cross with the Mercury again.
The 1997 WNBA Draft saw two USC stars, Tina Thompson and Pamela McGee, selected as the first and second picks, respectively. That season, five USC players graced the league, including Lisa Leslie, who joined the Los Angeles Sparks. And let's not forget Kim Gessig, who played a game with the Sparks, adding to USC's growing influence.
The Impact of the Trojans.
USC's impact on the WNBA was immediate, and as the league evolved, so did the number of USC players making their mark. Adrian Williams-Strong, a USC alumna, was drafted by the Mercury in 2000 and became a key player. She earned her All-Star status in 2003, representing Phoenix with pride. Despite the team's struggles that season, Williams-Strong's performance stood out.
Fast forward a few years, and we meet Shay Murphy, another USC product. Her journey took her from the Minnesota Lynx to several other teams before she landed in Phoenix, where she became a champion. The 2014 Mercury team, with Murphy on board, claimed the franchise's third championship. But the story doesn't end there. After an injury, she returned to Phoenix in 2017, only to be traded to the San Antonio Stars.
The Mercury's affinity for USC talent continued with Briana Gilbreath-Butler in 2012 and Kadi Sissoko, drafted in 2023. These players have contributed to the rich history between the Mercury and USC, a history that continues to evolve.
The Controversy: A Tale of Two Perspectives.
Some argue that the Mercury's success is intrinsically linked to their USC connections, especially with coaches like Miller and Cooper. But others believe that the Mercury's scouting and development strategies are the true heroes. What's your take on this? Is it the USC pedigree that sets these players apart, or is it the Mercury's ability to nurture and elevate talent?
Explore more about these players and their college journeys by following us on X. Uncover the stories behind the stats and decide for yourself!
