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WNBA's Rising Star: Number 9, Phoenix Mercury's Kia Nurse
** **Nurse's Journey to Phoenix
** Kia Nurse, the number 9 pick in the 2018 WNBA draft, has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the league. Her journey to the Phoenix Mercury began with a standout college career at the University of Connecticut. As a four-time NCAA champion, Nurse was named the 2018 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year and earned countless accolades for her exceptional defensive abilities. **Impact on the Mercury
** Nurse's impact on the Mercury has been undeniable. With her tireless work ethic and undeniable talent, she has quickly solidified herself as a key player in the team's success. In her rookie season, Nurse averaged 10.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Her contributions extended beyond the stat sheet, as she provided a defensive presence that helped the Mercury rank among the league's top teams. **- Defensive Prowess: Nurse is renowned for her exceptional defensive skills. Her quick reflexes, aggressive playstyle, and ability to predict opponents' moves make her a formidable defender.
- Strong Leadership: Despite being a young player, Nurse has already demonstrated strong leadership qualities. Her positive attitude, work ethic, and willingness to mentor younger teammates have earned her respect from both her teammates and coaches.
- Offensive Versatility: While defense is Nurse's forte, she is also a capable offensive player. Her ability to create her own shot, hit the three-pointer, and drive to the basket makes her a threat on both ends of the court.
Nurse's performance has not gone unnoticed. In 2019, she was selected to the WNBA All-Star Game, becoming the first Mercury player to receive the honor since 2014. She also earned a spot on the All-Defensive Second Team, further solidifying her reputation as one of the league's top defenders.
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