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WNBA Team Makes Final Decision on Undrafted Rookie on Tuesday originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
As of early June, the Phoenix Mercury sit at a promising 5-2, holding the second spot in the fiercely competitive Western Conference, behind only the undefeated Minnesota Lynx (7-0).
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Under second-year head coach Nate Tibbetts, the Mercury have established a defensive identity, forcing 16.3 turnovers per game (the best in the league) and allowing just 75.3 points per game (second-best overall).
While offseason additions Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally have led the offense with 21.3 and 15.2 points per game, respectively, the team’s collective effort has led to Phoenix’s early success, highlighted by rookie contributions from Kathryn Westbeld, Monique Akoa Makani and Lexi Held.
On Tuesday, the Mercury officially signed rookie Duquesne’s Megan McConnell, sister of Indiana Pacers’ T.J. McConnell, inking her to a one-year, $66,079 rookie contract, per Spotrac.
Over in Pittsburgh, McConnell closed out one of the most decorated careers in Duquesne program history, finishing with 1,795 career points (second in school history).
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McConnell also became Duquesne’s all-time leader in assists (660) and steals (370) while her 144 games played rank as the program record, as do her 136 career starts and four career triple-doubles.
During the 2024-25 season, McConnell averaged 18.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists and a nation-leading 4.1 steals per game, earning Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year and All-Conference honors from 2022 to 2025.
Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Despite going undrafted in the 2025 WNBA Draft, McConnell caught the attention of several teams.
Shortly after draft night, she accepted a training camp invitation from the Mercury.
Now, she’s staying in Phoenix on a one-year deal.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
