Diamond DeShields: From College Phenom to WNBA Standout
It's no secret that Diamond DeShields has made a name for herself in the world of basketball. But how did this WNBA star rise to prominence? Let's dive into her journey, from her impressive college stats to her impact on the Phoenix Mercury.
DeShields joined the Phoenix Mercury in 2022 and quickly made an impact. During her time with the team, she averaged 13.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and a steal. This was a challenging year for the Mercury, but DeShields' performance was a bright spot.
Before her time in Phoenix, DeShields began her WNBA career with the Chicago Sky, who drafted her in the 2018 WNBA Draft as the third overall pick. This draft class was stacked with talent, including A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Mitchell.
But before the WNBA, DeShields was already making waves in college basketball. She started at North Carolina before transferring to Tennessee. During her season at North Carolina, she averaged an impressive 18.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.7 steals.
That year, DeShields was named the ACC Rookie of the Year. Her standout performance came against NC State, where she scored a career-high 38 points, along with four rebounds, two steals, and an assist. North Carolina won the game 89-82. Allisha Gray also had a strong performance with 18 points.
DeShields continued to shine throughout her college career, with four more 30-point games. One of her most memorable games was against Georgia, where she scored 34 points, along with six rebounds, four steals, and three assists. Tennessee teammate Mercedes Russell also had a great game, contributing 24 points and 17 rebounds.
But here's where it gets controversial... After the 2016-17 season, DeShields played in Turkey with Çukurova Basketbol, averaging 17.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. This experience added another layer to her impressive resume before she entered the WNBA.
DeShields' impact was evident during Phoenix's playoff run, where she averaged 19.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, two assists, and a steal. The Mercury, unfortunately, were swept by the Las Vegas Aces, who went on to win the championship. However, DeShields proved to be a valuable asset to the team.
And this is the part most people miss... The Phoenix Mercury needed a player like DeShields, and she undoubtedly became a key player that season.
What are your thoughts on Diamond DeShields' career? Do you think she's reached her full potential? Share your opinions in the comments below! And don't forget to follow for more updates!
