 |
| |
Diana Taurasi was every bit as good as advertised in her rookie season with the Mercury, leading the team back to respectability in the WNBA and infusing the franchise with renewed hope.
But hang on, the 2004 U.S. Olympic team coach says, because you haven't seen anything yet.
"After she played three games in the spring with us, I said, 'Hey, she's going to set the WNBA on fire,' " said Team USA coach Van Chancellor, also coach of the Houston Comets. "The first time I saw her work out, I thought she was just special. I've never seen a player like her. She sees the court, shoots the ball, she runs, she's big and strong."
 For more Phoenix Mercury coverage, check out www.azcentral.com, Arizona's homepage. |
Taurasi, who led the University of Connecticut to three consecutive NCAA championships, entered the league as its No. 1 draft choice, along with a ton of pressure on her shoulders. Nothing fazed her, and she was a perfect fit for a Mercury team looking to regain its focus.
The 6-foot guard, considered a slam dunk for Rookie of the Year honors, enjoyed the spotlight and performed at a high level. But it was the little things, such as handing out water cups at practice and being the first to congratulate teammates coming off the court, that helped forge the team's personality.
She's accustomed to winning championships and wanted more than a .500 season (17-17), but it was a big step for a team that won eight games in 2003.
"This was a great experience," Taurasi said. "It's easy when you go through it with people you like and care about. Progress is slow and we're here for the long haul, so one season isn't going to make or break you."
Teammate Penny Taylor, who played for the Australian Olympic team and opposed Taurasi in the gold medal game in Athens, said winning drives her, not personal honors.
"If we're not winning, she's not happy even if she does have 25 points," Taylor said. "It's great to play with someone like that."
Taurasi averaged 17 points per game, fourth best in the league, but her court presence more than statistics elevated her above most of the other players in the league.
"I'm not surprised at all," said the Mercury's Nikki McCray, a gold medal winner in the 2000 Olympics and a three-time All-Star Game starter. "Marquee rookies are expected to play that way. She's been through it all. Nothing is going to get to her."
Chancellor added: "She doesn't know what pressure is."
Taurasi had to handle a media blitz every time she went on the road, and she handled that with the same skill she showed on the court.
WNBA superstar and Olympic teammate Tina Thompson of the Comets was impressed with Taurasi's poise.
"She did things on her own terms," Thompson said. "And she can elevate her game. She's young, a good student of the game, and the sky's the limit for her. She's definitely a basketball junkie."
Even though she has earned a lengthy vacation after nearly 11 months of continuous play with Connecticut, the Mercury and Team USA, no one expects Taurasi to get complacent.
Mercury coach Carrie Graf said Taurasi needs to become a better defender and develop a way to get more favorable calls from officials. She expects that to happen quickly.
"The best word to sum her up is special, and she's special in so many ways," Graf said. "She's a consummate teammate. If you put 100 people in a room, it would be hard to go past her. She's classy, confident and a basketball phenom."
At times late in the season, Taurasi looked exhausted. Although she would rather be in the WNBA playoffs, it's time to rest and recharge.
Or is it?
"I probably should say I'm going to take four months off, but I know in two or three days I'll be back in the gym," she said.
"That's what I was born to do."
COPYRIGHT 2004, AZCENTRAL.COM. Used with permission.
