Greatness often starts long before the spotlight hits. For Phoenix Mercury’s newest star Alyssa Thomas, that spotlight has only grown brighter after a blockbuster move that brought her to the desert. Alongside fellow standout Satou Sabally, Thomas helped power the Mercury to an impressive playoff run that reignited fans’ hopes for another championship push. But here’s where it gets even more interesting – her journey to WNBA stardom began long before the pros, in the heart of Maryland’s legendary women’s basketball program.
Thomas delivered one of the most complete seasons in recent memory, averaging 15.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and 1.6 steals. Those jaw-dropping numbers earned her a spot among the league’s MVP finalists. Known for her hustle and relentless drive, she racked up eight triple-doubles – including an incredible streak of three consecutive games. That kind of consistency doesn’t just happen; it defines what makes Thomas one of the league’s most versatile and vital players.
Before her professional success, Thomas dominated the college scene as a Maryland Terrapin. During her time there, she was named ACC Player of the Year three times – a rare feat that cemented her as one of the program’s all-time greats. And she’s not alone: Maryland’s influence on the WNBA has been strong for nearly three decades. The school has produced 31 WNBA players since the league’s inception in 1997, a pipeline of talent that continues to shape women’s basketball today.
That first year in the league saw four Maryland players make their debut. Jasmina Perazic-Gipe and Vicky Bullett joined via allocation, while Jessie Hicks and Katrina Colleton were selected in the draft. Hicks went in the second round to the Utah Starzz, and Colleton landed with the Los Angeles Sparks in the third. The tradition carried on in 1998 when Sonia Chase was drafted by the Charlotte Sting, just one pick before the Mercury selected Karen Wilkins. Not long after, Phoenix added another Maryland alum, Edna Campbell, who had shined for the Terrapins back in the late ‘80s. Campbell later became a fan favorite for her steady contributions, averaging nearly 10 points per game during her year with the Mercury.
Fast forward to today, and Alyssa Thomas proudly carries that torch. She became the 15th Maryland player to hear her name called in the WNBA Draft, continuing a legacy that includes stars like Natasha Cloud – who spent part of the 2024 season with Phoenix after starting her college career at Maryland – and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, a former Mercury guard who also came through the Terrapins program. Together, they highlight just how deep Maryland’s impact runs across the league.
Here’s where the debate heats up: Is Maryland quietly becoming the most consistent WNBA talent factory outside of UConn and South Carolina? Some fans say yes – pointing to Thomas’s leadership and longevity – while others argue the program’s recent draft footprint has cooled. What’s your take? Drop your thoughts below and join the conversation.
To keep up with Alyssa Thomas and the rest of the Mercury’s rising stars, follow the team’s latest updates on X right here: https://x.com/MercuryOnSI.
