After 20 seasons, Diana Taurasi ends his WNBA career.
The league’s leading goal scorer announced her retirement through Time Magazine and said she was “full”, both mentally and physically, after a star career.
“It’s probably the best way I can describe it. I’m drunk and I’m happy,” Taurasi said.
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Phoenix Mercury-Guard Diana Taurasi smiles after hit a 3-Pointer 19 September 2024 at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. (IMagn)
The 42-year-old is one of the best basketball players in history, and the recognitions on her resume can certainly make any player feel full.
Since she was taken with the first overall choice of Uconn in the WNBA draft in 2004, Taurasi has won three WNBA titles, was named 2009 League MVP, won two Finals MVPs, registered five scoring titles, was appointed and made 14 all -WNBA team along with 11 All-Star teams.
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In addition to being the league’s leading goal scorer, Taurasi has made more 3-Pointers than any player in history.
Taurasi’s star status began at the beginning of the new century when she joined Uconn and became a three-time national champion with Huskies, who was appointed AP player of the year during the 2002-03 season after an average of 17.9 Points, 4.4 assists and 6.1 rebounds per Battle on the way to her second of three titles.
Connecticuts Diana Taurasi, Right, fights past Tennessee’s Kara Lawson as Connecticut Huskies defeated Tennessee 79-56 during a NCAA woman’s semi-final at Alamodome in San Antonio 29 March 2002. (IMagn)
Then Taurasi joined Phoenix Mercury and spent 20 years with the same franchise, something unheard of in professional sports today.
She was an easy choice as the rookie of the year in 2004, when she turned an average of 17 points, 3.9 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 stealing per day. Match. Taurasi was all that Phoenix wanted from the first overall choice, and became a cornerstone that eventually evolved into a legend that many thought she would stay.
Taurasi also starred in International Play with Team USA.
In August, Taurasi became the first basketball player to win six Olympic gold medals.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert released a statement of Taurasi’s retirement.
American shooting guard Diana Taurasi is celebrating after receiving a gold medal in women’s basketball during the Paris 2024 olympic summer matches at Accor Arena. (Kyle Terada/USA Today Sports)
“In a record setting career that saw her playing 20 seasons, scoring more points and doing more three-point shots than any player in the WNBA story, she has achieved the undisputed respect for players across the globe, delivered electrifying moments and imprisoned fans again and Again, “Engelbert said.
“On behalf of the WNBA family, I thank Diana for everything she has brought to Wnba – her passion, her charisma and most of all her merciless dedication to the game.”
Taurasi told time she usually begins her preparation for an upcoming WNBA season on January 1st, but she said she “just didn’t have it in me” this time.
“It was pretty much when I knew it was time to go away,” Taurasi added.
Some will discuss whether she is the best player to ever grace a WNBA court.
“I have a resume. It’s not up to me to classify it,” Taurasi told Time.
Phoenix Mercury-Guard Diana Taurasi celebrates after a 3-point basket against La Sparks in the second half in Crypto.com Arena. (Kirby Lee/Imag- Pictures)
Her Uconn trainer, Geno Auriemma, added, “until someone comes along and eclips what she has done is yes she is.”
