PHOENIX MERCURY

Brittney Griner overwhelmed with ‘joy and tears’ with first overall selection

Apr 17, 2013, 1:56 AM | Updated: 1:59 am

It came as no surprise at all that the Phoenix Mercury selected Baylor phenom Brittney Griner with the first overall pick in the WNBA Draft on Monday.

Griner may be leaving behind an illustrious college career, but she is excited for the next chapter at the professional level.

“It was just overwhelming with joy and tears and I am just very happy,” Griner told Diamondbacks radio broadcasters Greg Schulte and Tom Candiotti during the D-backs game against the Yankees in New York on Tuesday night.

Griner finished second in scoring in NCAA women’s history with 3,283 points. She also holds the all-time shot blocking record with 748 and completed her four years at Baylor with a record 18 dunks.

The Mercury center could use her imposing 6-foot-8 frame to revolutionize the WNBA.

“Anything I can do to bring to the game, bring to the Phoenix Mercury and just help out the team from dunking, to blocking shots and playing above the rim, I am just going to do it,” Griner said.

The Mercury suffered through an injury-plagued season last year, but they are certainly not a team that’s short on talent. In addition to Griner, head coach Corey Gaines has at his disposal former 2009 MVP Diana Taurasi and All-Stars Penny Taylor and Candice Dupree.

The 22-year-old two-time AP Player of the Year said she’s looking forward to getting acquainted with her new teammates and working to forge a lasting chemistry.

“[Taurasi]’s an awesome player,” Griner stated. “She’s just a floor general out there. It’s just a great team and I am looking forward to going out there and just absorbing everything I can from them.”

Phoenix Mercury

Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury...

Damon Allred

Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner named to USA women’s national team training camp roster

Phoenix Mercury standouts Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner were named to the training camp roster for the women's national team.

2 minutes ago

Caitlin Clark celebrates...

Associated Press

Iowa’s Caitlin Clark is inspiring a younger generation of players

Caitlin Clark's deep range has expanded the scope of possibilities for up-and-coming women's basketball players.

23 hours ago

2024 WNBA All-Star Game logo...

Arizona Sports

2024 WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix to feature Team USA

The 2024 WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix will feature a matchup of the USA Basketball against a remaining group of All-Stars.

8 days ago

Mat Ishbia and Adam Silver...

Arizona Sports

Adam Silver credits Mat Ishbia for commitments to Suns, Mercury with upcoming All-Star games

The world's biggest basketball stars are coming to Phoenix for the WNBA All-Star Game this summer and the NBA All-Star Game in 2027.

21 days ago

Iowa guard Caitlin Clark...

Associated Press

Iowa star Caitlin Clark declares for 2024 WNBA Draft

Iowa's Caitlin Clark announced Thursday that she will leave the Hawkeyes after this season and enter the WNBA Draft.

28 days ago

Sug Sutton...

Arizona Sports

Phoenix Mercury re-sign Sug Sutton to training camp contract

The Phoenix Mercury re-signed point guard Sug Sutton to a training camp contract on Tuesday coming off her breakout season in 2023.

1 month ago

Brittney Griner overwhelmed with ‘joy and tears’ with first overall selection