Mercury Acquire Gwen Jackson;
Trade Williams to San Antonio

The Phoenix Mercury announced today that they have acquired second-year forward Gwen Jackson from the San Antonio Silver Stars in exchange for veteran forward Adrian Williams. Jackson will join the Mercury roster in time for Wednesday’s matinee game against San Antonio and will wear jersey No. 23.

Drafted sixth overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2003 WNBA Draft, Jackson was traded to San Antonio on May 1, 2003 with Sylvia Crawley in exchange for Natalie Williams and Coretta Brown. In her first WNBA season, Jackson saw action in 33 games, starting 26 and posted averages of 8.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 29.5 minutes per game. In 19 games in 2004, the Alabama native is averaging 3.2 points and 2.8 rebounds per game.

“We feel Gwen Jackson is going to be a great fit for the Mercury. She had a tremendous rookie season last year and will help us with our overall interior play,” said Mercury General Manager Seth Sulka. “Specifically for our team, she is a good offensive rebounder and has the ability to spread the floor with her shooting range. Unfortunately, we had to give up something good in order to get her. Adrian has been a true professional since we drafted her four years ago and her efforts on behalf of the organization are very much appreciated.”

Jackson was a finalist for the 2003 Naismith Player of the Year award, an award which was won by current Mercury guard Diana Taurasi. As a senior at Tennessee, the 6-3 forward earned AP All-American Honorable Mention as well as First Team All-SEC. In four years playing under legendary coach Pat Summit, she averaged 11 points and 5.7 rebounds in 137 games.

A native of Eufaula, Alabama, Jackson was one of the nation’s most highly recruited seniors in 1999. As a prep standout, she was named Alabama’s Miss Basketball in 1998 and was a Parade All-American in 1998 and 1999.

In five seasons with Phoenix, Williams averaged 5.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game through 130 games. In 11 games with the Mercury in 2004, Williams averaged just 5.9 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. Selected as an All-Star reserve in 2003, the former USC forward notched nine points, six rebounds and two steals in her first WNBA All-Star Game.

The Mercury meets the Silver Stars in a special afternoon game on Wednesday. Tickets may be purchased online, by phone at 602-252-WNBA or by visiting the America West Arena Ticket Office. Mercury season tickets, group tickets and flex packages are also available and can be purchased by calling 602-379-7878 or click here for more information.