DeWanna Bonner

Yesterday, the Seattle Storm announced they had come to terms on a deal that would return Lauren Jackson to Seattle for the 2009 season.  It was widely known that Jackson’s decision came down to either the Mercury or Storm but ultimately she decided to return to a familiar stage.  In her 2008 season for the Storm, Jackson posted phenomenal numbers of 20.2 points, 7 rebounds, and almost 2 blockers per game. Obviously, fans of the Storm were ecstatic and fans of the Mercury were left disappointed.

However, hope is far from lost in Phoenix.

We had a chance to catch up with head coach Corey Gaines to get his thoughts on missing out on the Lauren Jackson sweepstakes.  As expected, though obviously he would’ve welcomed Lauren with open arms, he still is extremely confident with the Mercury’s 2009 squad.  Says Gaines,“she’s one of the top players in the league, and anybody in the WNBA would be happy to have her.  I’m happy to have two WNBA Champions and U.S. Olympians on my team, and so I’m satisfied with that and confident about this season.  We definitely wish Lauren the best, though, this season.”

Perhaps Gaines says it best; two WNBA champions and two U.S. Olympians.  Not bad at all.

Of course, he’s talking about gold medalists and champions Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter.  Though they responded to their 2007 championship season with a disappointing 2008 campaign, key acquisitions have been added to the 2009 squad that will not only enhance their offensive prowess, but solidify their front line and shooting attack.  These include veteran guard Temeka Johnson who is a perfect player to get Diana and Cappie open shots, shooting specialist Laurie Koehn who will fit into their high-octane offense seamlessly, and first round pick DeWanna Bonner who is expected to “change the way the game is played” according to Gaines.

The club has high expectations (not only for Johnson, Koehn, and Bonner) but for all acquisitons to help stabilize their defense, maximize their offensive potential, and distribute the ball more effectively.  Of course, as Gaines told Fanster above, any organization would be lucky to have a two-time MVP center on their team.  However, the Mercury still feel confident at the center position with Tangela Smith at the helm.  Though don’t be surprised to see more small ball this season with an athletic player like Bonner getting time at the center position as well.

So, bottom line, the 2009 season is still incredibly bright.  Sure, it would’ve be stellar to have Lauren Jackson teamed up with our unparalleled offensive attack…but I feel more than comfortable with the holes the Mercury have filled this off-season. Oh, by the way, it doesn’t hurt to have Diana and Cappie too.

Coach Gaines certainly agrees.

The WNBA Draft unfolded earlier today, and with the 5th overall pick, the Phoenix Mercury selected DeWanna Bonner, a 6-4 guard out of Auburn, who averaged 21 points, and 8.5 rebounds per game for a 30-4 Tigers team that won their first outright regular season SEC championship in 20 years. She was also named a First Team All-American by ESPN.com.

General Manager Ann Meyers Drysdale announced that Bonner was the top player on the Mercury’s draft board, and would have been their selection even if they had the first overall pick.

ASU guard Briann January was selected one spot after Bonner, at #6 overall, by the Indiana Fever.

Auburn guard DeWanna Bonner, a First Team All-American, was selected today by the Phoenix Mercury in the first round, fifth overall, of the WNBA Draft earlier today.

Head coach Corey Gaines was thrilled that Bonner, a player he’s been scouting for two years, was on the board. “She’s definitely going to change the way the WNBA is played because of the way she plays,” Gaines said.

The Mercury didn’t have a 2nd round pick, but did select Sha Brooks, a 5-7 guard out of Florida, who averaged 16.6 points and 4.7 assists per game as a senior last season.

Gaines also discussed the possibility of Lauren Jackson signing on to play with the Mercury this season. Jackson is a 2-time WNBA MVP who has played 8 seasons with the Seattle Storm. Jackson is an unrestricted free agent.

The Phoenix Mercury have selected Auburn guard DeWanna Bonner with the 5th pick in the WNBA draft.

Bonner, the 2008-2009 SEC Player of the year, started all 126 games during her college career averaging 17.2 points and 8.3 rebounds. She holds the Auburn all-time scoring record with 2,162 points and ranks second in rebounding with 1,047.

Bonner’s height, 6′ 4″, and versatility will give the Mercury another offensive weapon in their run and gun system and provide some much needed defensive toughness.