The Phoenix Mercury had a star-studded roster featuring Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner and Kahleah Copper, but now they also have a trio of Australians as well.
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Jaz Shelley (Left) © Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK | Rebecca Allen (Right) © Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports
During the offseason, Phoenix acquired forward Rebecca Allen in a trade with the Connecticut Sun, signed guard/forward Amy Atwell to a training camp deal and drafted guard Jaz Shelley in the third round (29th overall). Allen was born in Wangaratta, Atwell is from Perth and Shelley is a Traralgon native.
With the 2024 WNBA Draft just two weeks ago on April 15, Shelley transferred to the pros after just recently leaving college. The 23-year-old played five seasons in college, averaging 10.7 points, 4.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 155 games with Oregon (2019-21) and Nebraska (2021-24).
While it was a quick turnaround and she had to adapt to a new environment, Shelley stated that the Mercury has made her feel comfortable and she embraced what the training camp had to offer.
“I was a little scared coming into training camp with some incredible basketball players, so you never know what they are like as people but I have felt so welcomed,” Shelley said. “Everyone has taken me under their wing, they have really helped me throughout this whole process, so it is really enjoyable for me right now. I was kinda terrified coming into a WNBA training camp, but this has been an unreal experience and I am super grateful for the veterans helping me out along the way.”
The trio didn’t know each other prior to the Mercury’s camp, and have been able to relate on the fly as they have been in similar circumstances. All three have represented Australia on the national stage in basketball, but never as teammates.
As all three of Shelley, Atwell and Allen are trying to find their footing with Phoenix, all being from the same country makes for an easier transition into a new situation.
“I think it is nice, and it is funny because me and Jaz never met because I have been overseas for a while, she has been overseas for a while and that is the same for Amy,” Allen said. “It’s been nice getting to know each other even though we are from the same country but realize basketball is so small in the end, so it’s been nice to have some Aussies on the team.”
Completing a full 40-game season last year, Allen averaged 6.4 points and 2.8 rebounds in her only season with the Sun. Before that, she played seven years of her career (2015-19, 21-22) with the New York Liberty.
As for Atwell, she was selected 27th overall in the 2022 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks and played four games in 2022. Since she is on a training camp deal, she does not have a guaranteed spot on Phoenix’s roster.
Beginning preseason, Phoenix will head to Seattle as the Mercury clash with the Storm on May 7 at 7 p.m. PT.
Mercury star Diana Taurasi ‘really excited’ about 20th WNBA season, team’s new additions
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers Phoenix Sports News for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
