Texas Tech WNBA Legacy: From Sheryl Swoopes to Mercury’s Plenette Pierson

The Phoenix Mercury have drafted players from many college programs. One notable source of talent is Texas Tech University. This connection began with a league pioneer and includes a key Mercury draft pick from the early 2000s.

The WNBA’s history with Texas Tech started at the league’s inception. This was during the initial player allocation phase before the first draft.

WNBA’s Foundation and the Texas Tech Pipeline

The league launched in 1997 with a unique player distribution system. High-profile college stars were allocated directly to teams. According to historical records from the Associated Press, Sheryl Swoopes was a foundational allocation.

Swoopes was the first Texas Tech player in the WNBA. She went to the Houston Comets. Her legendary career opened the door for other Red Raiders.

Ten Texas Tech alumni have played in the WNBA in total. The Phoenix Mercury selected one of them directly in the draft. That player was forward Plenette Pierson.

Plenette Pierson’s Impact with the Phoenix Mercury

The Mercury drafted Pierson with the fourth overall pick in 2003. She was a standout selection in a draft class that included other notable names. Pierson played her first two and a half seasons in Phoenix.

Her rookie year showed promise. She averaged six points per game off the bench. A standout performance came against the Los Angeles Sparks where she scored 26 points.

Pierson’s role grew in her second season. She nearly averaged double figures in scoring. The Mercury traded her to the Detroit Shock during the 2005 season.

She went on to have a long and successful WNBA career. Pierson won a championship with Detroit in 2006. She later became a key player for the New York Liberty.

The story of Texas Tech players in the WNBA is a rich one, bridging from the league’s first superstar to reliable professionals like the Mercury’s Plenette Pierson, showcasing the program’s consistent contribution to professional basketball.

Info at your fingertips

Who was the first Texas Tech player in the WNBA?

Sheryl Swoopes was the first. She was allocated to the Houston Comets before the league’s inaugural 1997 season. Swoopes is considered one of the greatest players in history.

How many Texas Tech players have been in the WNBA?

Ten players from Texas Tech University have played in the WNBA. This includes pioneers from the 1990s and players from more recent drafts.

When did the Mercury draft Plenette Pierson?

The Phoenix Mercury drafted Plenette Pierson in 2003. She was the fourth overall pick in the first round of that year’s WNBA Draft.

What did Pierson achieve after leaving Phoenix?

After being traded, Pierson won a WNBA championship with the Detroit Shock in 2006. She also earned the league’s Sixth Woman of the Year award in 2007.

Are any Texas Tech players currently in the WNBA?

As of recent seasons, the pipeline has continued. Players like Vivian Gray have entered the league, maintaining Texas Tech’s presence at the professional level.