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The Phoenix Mercury acquired Satou Sabally this past offseason. Losing Diana Taurasi to retirement was a difficult blow to the team, but Sabally’s recent comments about the Mercury star will excite fans. While speaking at Phoenix’s Media Day on Wednesday, the former Dallas Wings forward explained how the Mercury and Taurasi impacted her love of basketball, via the team’s account on X (formerly Twitter).
“The Phoenix Mercury actually, one of the first games that I also got to watch,” Sabally told reporters. “Overseas, it’s a little bit harder watching the games, especially due to the time change. But everyone knows DT (Taurasi). I think that she’s been definitely a role model in my life.
“I got to play against her in the W but also in college for the first time. And that was really, really, really when I started, you know, being around her and, like, looking at her more. And to be able to stand and practice on our court now, I was looking at a video and I’m like, ‘okay, Diana Taurasi court. How legendary is that, that I get to practice on here?'”
Satou Sabally ready to lead Mercury
Taurasi is arguably the greatest player the WNBA has ever seen. A Mercury legend, Phoenix may have difficulties moving on from her. Sabally, as well as Alyssa Thomas who the Mercury also traded for in the offseason, will attempt to help Phoenix remain competitive.
Sabally is excited about this next chapter of her WNBA career. Perhaps she will learn from Taurasi’s time with the team. However, she is still getting used to telling people she plays for the Mercury.
“You know, just growing up watching women play basketball, like, I really don’t take this lightly at all,” Sabally continued. “And it’s a huge honor… I’ve always been inspired by it. Sometimes I’m really still struck by saying, ‘oh, I play for the Phoenix Mercury now.'”
Mercury’s preseason schedule, regular season opener
Phoenix will begin the preseason on Tuesday, May 6 against the Las Vegas Aces. The Mercury will then play the Golden State Valkyries (for the first time ever, as Golden State is an expansion team) on May 11 in their final preseason contest. Phoenix will host the Seattle Storm to begin the 2025 regular season on May 17.
Satou Sabally, Alyssa Thomas and the Phoenix Mercury will attempt to start the season strong in the post-Diana Taurasi era.
