Mercury’s Jovana Nogić to miss rest of season for personal reasons

Phoenix Mercury undrafted rookie guard Jovana Nogić will miss the rest of the WNBA season for personal reasons, the team announced.

The news comes after Nogić requested a temporary freeze on her WNBA contract with Phoenix to rest this summer in preparation for the UMMC Ekaterinburg’s season in the Russian Premier League and EuroBasket 2027 with the Serbian national team, according to Sport Klub.

“This was not an easy decision, I love Phoenix, our organization and our fans,” Nogić said in a press release. “The Mercury community made me feel welcome from day one, and I look forward to returning to Phoenix next season.”

While she won’t play for Phoenix the rest of the season, her salary will count against the team’s cap space. The Mercury will also reserve Nogić’s spot on the team until she returns next season.

Nogić appeared in 16 games (seven starts) for Phoenix this season. She averaged 10.4 points on 42% shooting and 42.1% from 3-point land. She added 1.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists across 20.2 minutes per game.

She was quick to make an impact for the Mercury, scoring 64 points in her first four games with the franchise. That is the third-most by any rookie in team history. She also set a WNBA record for the most points scored by an undrafted rookie in a game with 27 against the Chicago Sky on May 15.

She cooled off some in June, though she registered 12 points and a steal in Phoenix’s loss to the Las Vegas Aces on June 17. That is the final game the guard played for the Mercury.

“The well-being of our players is our top priority,” Mercury general manager Nick U’Ren said in a release. “We appreciate the hard work, commitment and joy she brought to Phoenix this season.”

Phoenix (7-13) is back in action Thursday night against the Seattle Storm (5-15).

Related

Shorthanded Mercury earn win over Tempo for second straight victoryAlyssa Thomas records first triple-double of season as Mercury top SparksDeWanna Bonner scores season-high 21 points as Mercury beat Sun to snap 5-game skidMercury unable to overcome rough 2nd quarter in loss vs. SunMercury run out of steam against Lynx for 4th straight lossPhoenix Mercury crushed by Aces in historic blowout