PHOENIX — Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani shared a message on her Instagram about her decision not to participate in AfroBasket.
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Jun 1, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) shoots the ball during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Akoa Makani was pre-selected as part of Cameroon’s team but chose to stay with Phoenix, as first reported by David Veenstra from Desert Wave Media. She played for Cameroon in 2023 and 2024. In an Instagram story, the Mercury guard spoke to her Cameroonian fans, confirming her decision.
“This choice was not an easy one to make,” Akoa Makani said, in French translated to English. “I thank you already for your understanding and support that makes me feel even stronger!”
May 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) shoots over Minnesota Lynx forward Alissa Pili (35) in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Akoa Makani also wished her fellow Cameroonian teammates luck in the competition.
“Go out there, have fun and represent our beautiful country with honor and pride,” she said.
Akoa Makani has been with the Mercury since training camp, earning a roster spot with the team. She has missed some playing time due to being on concussion protocol after Phoenix’s game against the Golden State Valkyries on July 14.
.@PhoenixMercury’s Monique Akoa Makani drops a 👌🏼 with an assist from Satou Sabally!#PhoenixMercury #PHXMercury #ValleyTogether pic.twitter.com/bQfPj2eqXR
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) May 22, 2025
Phoenix announced on Thursday that she is off concussion protocol and will play in Friday’s matchup against the New York Liberty.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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