Legend of women’s basketball Diana Taurasi announced his retirement on Tuesday after more than 20 years in the Wgb.
Widely recognized as one of the greatest players of all time, the 42 -year -old has spent his entire career with the Phoenix MercuryHelping the team to its three WNBA championships in 2007, 2009 and 2014.
Taurasi is the League of all time top scorer With 10,646 points, almost 3,000 more than second place, Tina Charles.
In addition to its success with the Mercury, Taurasi was a member of the American national basketball teams who won six of the six Olympic gold medals between 2004 and 2024, which means that it has more gold medals than Any other basketball player in Olympic history. She also contributed to Europe for Dynamo Moscow, Spartak Moscow, FenerbahçeGalatasaray and Ummc Ekaterinburg, winning six titles in the Euroleague.
Taurasi usually begins to work four months before the team’s training camp start, but last month she realized that it was time to move away from the game she loves.
“Mentally and physically, I’m just full,” said Taurasi in an exclusive interview. “This is probably the best way to describe it. I am satisfied and I am happy.
After having led UCONN to three consecutive NCAA championships, the native of California was selected by Phoenix with the first choice of WNBA 2004 draft. She received the prize for the recruit of the league year in her first season , the following year, the indicator named in the star team for the first time of 11 selections.
As for whether she considers herself the greatest of all time, Taurasi said: “I have a CV. It is not for me to note it.
She continued: “My score record, or the six gold medals, someone will come who is the same hunger, the same dependence on basketball, and put these records in a different way, a name different.
“This is what sport is used for. It’s going to be fun to watch. Let’s not hope so soon.
She undoubtedly had her best season in 2009, when she was appointed MVP and final MVP of the regular WNBA season as she directed the League in points and the Mercury won the championship, becoming only the second player after Cynthia Cooper-Dyke To make the four honors during the same season.
The achievements of Taurasi played a huge role in the growth of the female game and, leaving the most prominent season in the history of WNBA, the 42-year-old has thought about the progression of women’s basketball .
“It’s in such a great place,” she told Robin Roberts from ABC on Wednesday. “We have been involved in basketball for so long, and to finally see it on the biggest scene, it really makes you feel really good. These women, not only in basketball, in all sports, we abandon our lives. We sacrifice everything to be the best of our profession.
“To see the recognition we get, more dominantly, it feels good for many of us who have been there. Whether it’s the player, the coach, the staff, the front office. Many people love this game and they have put everything there. Now, finally, we see what the other side looks like. “”
“Diana is the biggest to have ever played the game. I have been a fan of her all my life, she is the ultimate chief and teammate,” said Mercury, Mat Ishbia, in a statement. “She had an incredible impact on our franchise, our community and the basketball game. Her name is synonymous with the Phoenix Mercury and she will always be part of our family. »»
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert added: “On behalf of the WNBA family, I thank Diana for all that she brought to the WNBA – her passion, her charisma and, above all, her relentless dedication to the game.
“It leaves a lasting heritage and the future of the WNBA is in a good position because of its impact, which will be felt for the generations to come.”
Taurasi had thought about the decision to retire for some time, after giving a emotional address To the Phoenix fans of the Court in September after his last regular season match of 2024.
“I would like to thank each coach, each player, each person who has put a WNBA jersey because you need a village and our league is to retire and, in return, to see where we are now, 28 years later, for those Who have played before, this league is where it is now, we are grateful to you, and we are grateful for the next generation, “she said. “If it’s the last time, it was like the first time.”
This story has been updated with additional information.
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