The Phoenix Mercury have the 5th overall selection in this year’s draft after a bruised 2019 season. It’s also their first time having a pick in the top 5 since 2013 (Brittney Griner, Baylor, 1st overall). And the Phoenix Mercury has a bright future with Alanna Smith, Brianna Turner, and Sophie Cunningham. Let’s take a look to see which Phoenix Mercury 2020 draft prospects could be taken at the 5th pick.
Ruthy Hebard, 6-4 Power Forward, Oregon
In her senior season for the Oregon Ducks, she’s been consistent on both ends of the floor. She’s averaging 17.3 points per game (1st in the team) and 9.3 rebounds per game. And to add with that, she has great capability to block shots on the defensive side. Don’t forget to mention that she received the Katrina McClain award in 2018. And she’s on the preseason watch list for the privilege presented to the nation’s top power forward. Drafting Hebard for Pitman and Brondello would help the Mercury with their rebounding foes and a great replacement for Sancho Lyttle, who retired from the WNBA last year.
Crystal Dangerfield, 5-5 Point Guard, UConn
The Phoenix Mercury needs youth in Point Guard position and athleticism too. Crystal Dangerfield, despite dealing with injuries in her senior season, is a successor probable to Diana Taurasi. She averages 15.6 points per game (3rd best in team scoring), 3.8 rebounds per game, and has a total (so far) of 19 steals. She also has a percentage of over 40% on 3-pt shots made and a great ability to assist the ball to her teammates. That would boost the Mercury for the Guard position as Yvonne Turner is a Free Agent.
Beatrice Mompremier, 6-4 Power Forward-Center, Miami
Another “must-need” situation for the forward position for the Mercury. Mompremier has been consistent on rebounding in both ends of the court and is capable of scoring in the paint. She averages 16.3 points per game, 10.4 rebounds per game, and is also mature of her defense with 22 blocks and 14 steals to the season so far.
The Juniors who could enter this year’s draft the Mercury would look into.
Chennedy Carter, 5-7 Point Guard, Texas A&M
According to the NCAA, she’s considered as one of the top five Point Guards in position. She’s known as her powerful skill of scoring and stability of her defense. She has scored in double figures and is on a 7-game streak of 20+ points scored in a game for Texas A&M. She’s averaging 22.5 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game, and has 27 steals during the season (as of now). If the Mercury selects her, it’ll help them with the addition of youth in the backcourt for the Mercury and be one of the best defensive guards in the league.
Satou Sabally, 6-4 Power Forward, Oregon
According to Skylar Diggins-Smith, she tweeted, “Satou Sabally was the most league-ready (body, athleticism, composure, 2-way player, etc.) we (Team USA exhibition) faced on the college tour so far.” During the Ducks’ matchup against the USA national team, she has shined with 25 points in a victory over Team USA last November. She’s been stepping up strong for the Oregon Ducks this season, averaging 14.6 points per game and 6.6 rebounds per game. She’ll have an option to forego her senior season to declare for the WNBA draft or come back to Oregon for her senior year.
Honorable mentions
Mikayla Pivec, 5-10 Shooting Guard, Oregon State
Mikayla is one of the best shooting guards in this College WBB season. She’s been working really hard as a senior this season and is such a great player with skill and leadership. She’s leading the Pac-12 league in rebounding as a guard. That’s a must-need situation for the Phoenix Mercury for the rebounding foes. And she’s leading the Beavers in 4 categories; 15.4 points per game, 9.8 rebounds per game, assists, and steals. If the Mercury precisely drafts her, Brondello will put her in the future starting backcourt along with Sophie Cunningham and fill in shoes (together) for legend Diana Taurasi.
I can’t wait for the off-season moves Jim Pitman and Sandy Brondello will make starting this February (also it’s my bday month too)!
