The Mercury Will Have a Lot to Smile About This Season (Photo by Josh Greene, Phoenix Mercury.com)

The 2009 WNBA season is just around the corner!

After their last training camp practice today, the Mercury leave for Sacramento where they will play their first pre-season game against the Monarchs on Wednesday at 11:00 AM.  The mood around the team is fraught with excitement and anticipation.

When asked what the main focus was during training camp, head coach Corey Gaines replied, “Defense. We’ve been the best offensive team the past two years so it’s time to improve the defense.”  In fact, I’d say that 75% of their practices consisted of defensive drills and really making sure that the players knew what their coverage assignments were and where/when to rotate.  Gaines understands that teams are going to score the basketball, but his main goal is to make the offense work and when they do shoot, ensure that it’s a low percentage shot.

Assistant coaches, Julie Hairgrove and Bridget Pettis consistently reinforce the team’s positions on defense and emphasize talking and communicating with each other.  Each member of the coaching staff watches a different section of the team’s defense to ensure proper rotations and coverages.

One thing is for sure - this Mercury team will be vastly improved on the defensive end.

One thing that isn’t solidified is which of the players the Mercury will have to cut by June 5th to get their roster to 11 players.  From watching the Mercury’s practices, I certainly don’t envy Gaines’ decision as every one of these ladies deserves to be kept. When asked what the goal was for the two pre-season games, Gaines replied without hesitation, “stay healthy.”  That’s really the key to the Mercury’s season in my opinion.  I mentioned to Gaines that the team really seems to be coming together nicely already; he nodded and said, “well the base has always been there with Diana and Cappie.  They really set the tone and the younger players feed off it.”

Fresh off her first training camp since basically her rookie season (due to playing overseas), Diana Taurasi is anxious to get the season started.  “You know, we have a long ways to go and we’ve just scratched the surface of what we can be. But I’m excited to keep working hard, get back on the court, and see the new kids play.”  Taurasi has certainly been the vocal leader throughout training camp and always takes time to help her teammates out whether it be where to rotate on defense, who to move the offense through, or just via encouragement.  She’s also, along with Cappie Pondexter, been working with new point guard Temeka Johnson to get a feel for one another.  “From the first day we were on the court together, she asked where I wanted the ball…you know, bounce pass, chest pass.  I just said as long as it touches my hands I’m ready to go.”

That’s the kind of confidence this entire Mercury team has.  Even without Penny Taylor (whom Diana hinted had her surgery) this team is focused and disciplined enough to make a legit run.

Other Notes:

• First home pre-season game is this Saturday, May 30th, at U.S. Airways Center
• Gaines expects to make the final roster cuts on June 5th and use the next couple weeks for further evaluation
• Nicole Ohlde was again able to shoot around for a bit after practice (very lightly)
• Brooke Smith, Allie Quigley, Sha Brooks, Laurie Koehn, and Shin Oga all stayed and shot for a while when practice ended
• Check back to the Mercury Community for updates on their first pre-season game against Sacramento tomorrow!