Within minutes of speaking with her, it became increasingly clear how much Mercury fans will love Leilani Mitchell.
Mitchell is genuine, soft-spoken and driven. A career 40.2 percent (233-of-579) shooter from beyond the three-point line, Mitchell had her best WNBA season from beyond the arc in 2010 when she shot a league-best 48.6 percent (72-of-148) en route to picking up the WNBA Most Improved Player award.
Amazingly, she has not missed a game in her WNBA career and has made 105 career starts.
However, Mitchell has arguably played her best basketball in Australia where she holds dual citizenship. She averaged 12.9 points, 5.6 assists and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from beyond the arc for the Sydney Flames.
We had a chance to catch up with Leilani to talk about joining the Mercury, how excited she is to play with the weapons Phoenix has and what fans can expect of her in 2015. – Ed.
PhoenixMercury.com: When you join a new team (whether it’s in the WNBA or overseas), how do you approach the challenge? Is your mentality any different knowing Phoenix is the defending WNBA Champions?
Leilani Mitchell: Joining a new team is always exciting; you never know what to expect. I always go into each season/team having an open mind. With each season comes different challenges and expectations. Coaches have a variety of styles and schemes they want executed, and great team chemistry is always a must if you want to be successful.
But it doesn’t always come easily. With Phoenix being the reigning champions, the expectations will obviously be high. We won’t have Diana this season, but there are many talented players remaining on the roster as well as some new additions that can help contribute. The expectation and goal will always be to hoist the trophy at the end of the season.
PhoenixMercury.com: What is your relationship like with Sandy and players currently on the Mercury?
Mitchell: I don’t know Sandy personally, but I obviously know of her through the WNBA and playing against her when she was coaching at San Antonio. Living in Australia and also being a part of the Opals program, it is easy to see how important she is to their great history.
I’ve heard nothing but praise for her both as a player and now a coach. I believe I will benefit greatly from playing under her and I look forward to getting the season started.
As far as the players, I only personally know the Aussie girls. I was on the national team with Cayla Francis this past year. All the others I’ve played against, but don’t necessarily know them quite yet.
PhoenixMercury.com: One could argue that you’ve been playing the best basketball of your career both overseas and in the WNBA. Is that also your assessment? Why or why not?
Mitchell: I’m not sure if it’s the best basketball of my career but I can tell you that with each season, I’ve become more comfortable. Over the course of my seven-year professional career, I’ve matured and learned more about the game. I think when you first become a pro it can be overwhelming adjusting to the strength, power and athleticism, not to mention the lifestyle and travel. Like I mentioned before, each season has its challenges. Lots of highs and lows. From year to year, coaches want different things from you, your team needs you to contribute in different ways and of course you have your own personal goals.
Your role is constantly changing from season to season, and perhaps even game to game. This last season here in Sydney, I’ve been asked to play a bigger role as far as scoring goes. So those numbers are up. Our style here is very much up-tempo with a lot of on-ball screens, which I would say is one of my strengths.
PhoenixMercury.com: As a point guard, how excited are you to play with a frontcourt of Brittney Griner, Candice Dupree and DeWanna Bonner?
Mitchell: So excited! I think I will fit in with Sandy’s style of play. Coming off of a lot of on-ball screens, finding all the great shooters we have on the team and also being able to dump it inside for some easy buckets.
Having those three along with the others will definitely make my job easier.
PhoenixMercury.com: How would you describe your leadership style?
Mitchell: I would say I’m more of a quiet leader. I have my moments when I really let loose or get fired up, but I try not to get too emotional – high or low – and just stick to the actual process and what needs to be done next.
Change of possession happens so quickly in basketball, and being the point guard you have to be thinking ahead. There’s not much time to celebrate or pout. But I must say, this last season in Sydney was really challenging for me because our team was so young and quiet that I had to do a lot more vocally than I ever had. It was a good experience for me and I have grown from it.
PhoenixMercury.com: What’s something you’re proud of about your game that people may not be aware of?
Mitchell: Gosh. I would probably say the way I control the team. As a point guard it’s my responsibility to make sure everybody is on the same page. And I think I do a fairly good job of recognizing what needs to be done and what plays we should be running and for whom.
PhoenixMercury.com: There’s not really an “offseason” for women’s professional basketball players. Has that been difficult, or has it solidified your love of the game even more?
Mitchell: Yes, it is difficult that there’s no offseason. I’ve probably been saying that I want to take a break for the last four years [laughs]! However, playing in Australia is a lot less taxing than Europe. We only practice three times a week, with some others mixed in. Whereas most places in Europe, it’s twice a day, every day.
So, body is thanking me [laughs].
PhoenixMercury.com: How would your teammates describe you on and off the court?
Mitchell: My teammates would probably say I’m a bit feisty. You gotta be if you’re my height! I’m pretty chill off the court. I like to do anything active and outdoors whether it’s sports or lying on the beach.
I love adventures and traveling; you have to with this job!