Mercedes Russell has carved out an impressive career in professional basketball, marked by significant achievements in the WNBA, college leagues, and international competitions. This comprehensive overview delves into the career highlights of Mercedes Russell, showcasing her journey from a celebrated college player to a seasoned WNBA champion and international competitor. Her consistent performance and dedication on the court have solidified her reputation as a valuable player in every team she has represented.
Early Career and WNBA Draft
Mercedes Russell’s journey to the WNBA began with a strong foundation built during her college years. Her exceptional performance at the University of Tennessee positioned her as a sought-after talent in the professional league. In 2018, her WNBA dreams became a reality when she was drafted 22nd overall by the New York Liberty. This marked the start of her professional career, setting the stage for her future accomplishments.
WNBA Career with Seattle Storm: Championships and Key Seasons
Russell’s career truly flourished after joining the Seattle Storm. She became an integral part of the team, contributing to their success and earning two WNBA championships in 2018 and 2020. Her consistent presence on the court and valuable contributions in various roles have been key to the Storm’s achievements.
Key Moments and Stats: 2018-2024
2024 Season: In the 2024 season, Mercedes Russell played in 37 games for the Storm, starting in six. She averaged 3.9 points and 3.0 rebounds in approximately 15.7 minutes per game. A notable performance was against Phoenix on September 19, where she scored a season-high 14 points. Earlier in the season, on September 7 against Phoenix, she grabbed a season-high eight rebounds. She also achieved her 100th career steal on June 27 against Indiana. In the WNBA First Round series against Las Vegas, she scored eight points and secured 12 rebounds in Game One.
2023 Season: The 2023 season saw Mercedes Russell participate in 37 games, with 13 starts. She averaged 5.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. A highlight of the season was a double-double performance against Dallas on June 17, where she scored 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, along with a season-high five assists. She also scored a season-high 13 points against Chicago on August 27. Another efficient scoring game was against Dallas on September 8, where she scored 12 points shooting perfectly 6-of-6.
2022 Season: The 2022 season was impacted by injury for Mercedes Russell, limiting her to just five games with the Storm. In these games, she averaged 2.0 points and 1.8 rebounds. Despite the limited playtime, she achieved her 500th career rebound on June 7 against Atlanta.
2021 Season: Mercedes Russell had a significant role in the 2021 season, appearing in 30 games and starting in 28. She averaged 7.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 61.7% from the field, which is the third-highest in Storm franchise history. She recorded two double-doubles, including one against Las Vegas on June 27 (12 points, 11 rebounds). She nearly achieved a triple-double against Chicago on August 15 with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. She scored a season-high 14 points in three separate games towards the end of the season. In her playoff appearance, she recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds against Phoenix on September 26. This season also marked her 100th career game and 500th career point, both achieved on August 15 against Chicago.
2020 Championship Season: In the championship-winning 2020 season, Mercedes Russell played in all 22 games, starting in two. She averaged 3.6 points and 3.2 rebounds. She scored a season-high 10 points against Phoenix on September 11 and achieved a season-high 11 rebounds against Las Vegas on September 13. In the playoffs, she contributed 5.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, shooting 61.9% from the field, and scored 10 points in a crucial win against Minnesota on September 27.
2019 Season and Career Start: The 2019 season was a breakthrough year for Mercedes Russell as she appeared in all 34 games, starting in 30. She averaged 7.5 points and 6.1 rebounds. She made her first career start on June 4 against Minnesota and recorded her first career double-double on June 14 against Washington with 15 points and 11 rebounds. She scored a season-high 19 points against New York on July 3. In the playoffs, she averaged 11.5 points and 8.5 rebounds, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure.
2018 Rookie Season: Mercedes Russell began her WNBA journey in 2018, drafted by the New York Liberty before joining the Seattle Storm. She played two games with New York and then 22 games with Seattle. She made her WNBA debut on May 20 against Phoenix and her Storm debut on May 31 against Las Vegas. She had season highs of eight points and nine rebounds against Dallas on August 19. She also made her postseason debut on September 7 against Washington.
College Career at Tennessee
Before her WNBA career, Mercedes Russell was a standout player at the University of Tennessee. Her college career was marked by numerous accolades and records, establishing her as one of the program’s all-time greats.
College Achievements:
- All-American Recognition: She was recognized as an All-American center at Tennessee and earned Honorable Mention AP and WBCA All-American honors in 2017-18.
- Statistical Dominance: Russell nearly averaged a double-double in her senior season with 15.3 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, shooting 58.3 percent from the field.
- 1,500 Points and 1,000 Rebounds Club: She became only the fifth player in Tennessee history to surpass 1,500 points and 1,000 rebounds in her college career.
- All-SEC Honors: She was named First Team All-SEC.
- Double-Double Records: Russell set records for the most single-season double-doubles for a junior (19) and senior (16) and recorded over 40 career double-doubles, joining the ranks of Candice Parker and Chamique Holdsclaw.
- Career Rankings at Tennessee: She ranks third in Tennessee history for career rebounds (1,085) and fifth in blocked shots (195).
Overseas Competition
Mercedes Russell has also showcased her talents in international leagues, further expanding her basketball experience and achievements.
Overseas Teams:
- 2023-24: Southside Flyers, WNBL
- 2020-21: Galatasaray (Hungary)
- 2019-20: Southside Flyers, WNBL
- 2018-2019: Wisla Can Pack, Poland
Overseas Highlights:
- WNBL Championship and MVP: Playing for the Southside Flyers in the WNBL, Mercedes Russell averaged 14.9 points and 9.4 rebounds, earning All-WNBL First Team honors and leading the Flyers to the WNBL Championship in 2023-24. She was also named the 2023-24 WNBL Grand Final MVP, averaging 14.3 points and 12.7 rebounds in the final series.
USA Basketball Highlights
Mercedes Russell’s international experience extends to representing the United States in various USA Basketball teams, contributing to national success at different levels.
USA Basketball Achievements:
- U-24 Four Nations Tournament: She led the USA U-23 team in rebounding at the 2017 U-24 Four Nations Tournament in Tokyo, Japan.
- FIBA U-17 World Champion: She won a gold medal at the FIBA U-17 World Championship in 2012, averaging 8.9 points and 6.9 rebounds.
- FIBA U-16 Americas Championship: She also won gold at the FIBA U-16 Americas Championship in 2011, setting tournament records for rebounds and blocks.
Personal Life
Beyond her basketball achievements, Mercedes Russell comes from an athletic family. Her parents are Tammy Hill and Lorenzo Russell. She graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in communications studies, highlighting her commitment to both her athletic and academic pursuits.
Conclusion
Mercedes Russell’s career is a testament to her skill, dedication, and consistent performance across various basketball platforms. From her impactful college career at Tennessee to her WNBA championships with the Seattle Storm and her international achievements, Mercedes Russell has established herself as a prominent figure in women’s basketball. Her ongoing career promises further highlights and contributions to the sport.
