Phoenix Mercury Signs Olympian Stephanie Talbot

The three-time WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury today announced the signing of 22-year-old Australian Olympian Stephanie Talbot.  Originally selected by the Mercury in the third round (33rd overall) of the 2014 WNBA Draft, Talbot is expected to make her WNBA debut in 2017.

“Steph Talbot is one of the brightest prospects in Australia, and our organization and fans understand the depth of that nation’s women’s basketball talent as well as anyone,” said Mercury General Manager Jim Pitman.  “Talbot is a wing who can play multiple positions, whose resume already includes an Olympic Games and professional experience in multiple countries.  We selected her as a very promising 19-year-old and are excited to be able to bring her over.”

The 6-foot-2 Talbot began her professional career in Australia’s WNBL, where she was honored as the 2013 Betty Watson Rookie of the Year, joining past winners such as Lauren Jackson.  Talbot is currently in her first season playing in Poland for AZS PWSZ Gorzow Wielkopolski.  Her versatile game has filled the box score to the tune of 15.9 points (2nd-team), 7.6 rebounds (2nd-team) and a team-best 2.9 steals.  Talbot is the only player in the Polish League to rank in the top 10 in scoring (8th), rebounding (10th) and assists (9th), and also ranks in the top-10 in the league in steals (4th) and blocks (10th).  Talbot has scored in double figures in 14 of the team’s 16 games, has four 20+ point scoring performances, two 10+ rebound games, two double-doubles and one triple-double in Polish League play this season.  Talbot is shooting 50.0 percent (85-of-170) from the field overall.

Talbot began her international and professional career in 2009 when she was a member of Australia’s FIBA Oceania Junior Championships gold-medal team.  She won gold at the same event in 2012 and a bronze medal at the FIBA U19 World Championships in 2013 before being named to the Australian Women’s National Team and earning a coveted spot on the nation’s 2016 Olympic team.

Get a front-row seat for history this summer! Diana Taurasi will open the 2017 regular season just 178 points shy of becoming the all-time leading scorer in WNBA history, as she attempts to lead the Mercury to a WNBA-record tying fourth championship.  Tickets for the Fry’s Food Stores Home Opener on Sunday, May 14, and the other 16 regular-season Mercury home games can be purchased by calling 602.252.WNBA or by visiting PhoenixMercury.com.