Diana Taurasi retires from basketball after 3 WNBA titles, 6 Olympic golds


Diana Taurasi retires from basketball after 3 WNBA titles, 6 Olympic golds

Diana Taurasi retires after 20 seasons and ends one of the greatest careers in the basketball story of women.

Taurasi, the career as a career as a career value of WNBA and three-time league champion of the league, announced her retirement on Wednesday In an interview with Time Magazine. The Phoenix Mercury – the only WNBA team for which she played also confirmed her decision.

“I am only full of mentally and physically,” said Taurasi to Time. “This is probably the best way I can describe. I’m full and happy.”

With her tight hair bun and her highest self -confidence, Taurasi inspired a generation of players and set records and championships.

Taurasi led Uconn to three national titles in a row from 2001 to 2004 and continued after the Mercury selected her with number 1 of the 2004 WNBA design.

The 42-year-old won her sixth Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games and ended her WNBA career with 10,646 points, almost 3,000 more than Tina Charles in second place.

In addition to her three WNBA championships with the Mercury, Taurasi won six Euroleague championships, while she played most of her career all year round. She was WNBA MVP in 2009 and is one of four players who earn more than once the WNBA final MVP ceremonies (2009, 2014).

“Diana is the biggest thing that the game has ever played. I was a fan of her all my life, she is the ultimate manager and teammate,” said Mercury owner Mat Ishbia in an explanation. “It has an incredible impact on our franchise, our community and the basketball game. Her name is a synonym for the Phoenix Mercury and it will be part of our family forever.”

Taurasi made the most important team 10 times and was a record 14 times in the first or second team. She is also an eleven-time WNBA all-star, four-time American basketball athlete of the year and was WNBA-Rokie of the year in 2004.

Born in Glendals, California, organizes numerous WNBA records, including playoff ratings, field goals, 3 points and 30-point games. It also holds 16 Mercury Records.

Taurasi scored an average of 18.8 points, 4.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds for her career. She achieved an average of 14.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists, while led the mercury into the playoffs in her 20th season.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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