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Diana Taurasi

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Diana Taurasi is a legendary figure in professional basketball.

Diana Taurasi 2
Diana Taurasi 2

She played for 20 seasons in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Throughout her entire professional career, she played for the Phoenix Mercury. Taurasi is considered a global icon for the sport. She helped increase the visibility of women's basketball. She is also credited with raising the standard of play in the WNBA. Many experts believe she is the greatest player in the history of women's basketball. She holds the all-time WNBA record for scoring.

Her path to greatness began in California. Taurasi was born in Glendale and grew up in Chino. Her parents, Mario and Liliana, emigrated from Argentina to the United States. Her father, Mario, was a professional soccer goalkeeper in Italy. Taurasi attended Don Antonio Lugo High School. She graduated in 2000 after a highly successful high school career. She was named the National High School Player of the Year. During her time in high school, she scored 3,047 points. This total ranked her fourth in the history of her state.

After high school, Taurasi attended the University of Connecticut (UConn). She played for the Huskies starting in the 2000–2001 season. She primarily played the positions of point guard and shooting guard. Taurasi led her college team to three consecutive national titles. She was named the Naismith College Player of the Year twice. Her collegiate career included 139 wins and only eight losses. Taurasi also focused on her education. She was the first in her family to graduate from college.

The Phoenix Mercury selected Taurasi first overall in the 2004 WNBA draft. She immediately became a dominant force in the league. In her rookie season, she averaged 17.0 points per game. She also earned the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award. Under coach Paul Westhead in 2006, she had a historic season. She led the league in scoring and set a record with 741 points. During one regular season game against the Houston Comets, she scored 47 points. This performance included eight three-pointers, which was a league record at the time.

Taurasi achieved massive success with the Phoenix Mercury. She won three WNBA championships with the team. She also earned the WNBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) award twice. In 2009, she won the league MVP award. She was the second player ever to win the scoring title, MVP, a championship, and the Finals MVP in one season. In 2014, she helped the Mercury set a record for most regular-season wins. That year, the team finished with a 29–5 record.

Diana Taurasi 2 cropped
Diana Taurasi 2 cropped

Her dominance extended to the international stage. Taurasi played for the United States women's national basketball team. She won six Olympic gold medals during her career. This achievement makes her the most decorated Olympic athlete in any team sport. She also won three FIBA World Cup championships. Taurasi played professionally overseas in Russia and Turkey. While playing in Europe, she won six EuroLeague Women titles.

Diana Taurasi 2
Diana Taurasi 2

Taurasi holds several major statistical records in the WNBA. She is the all-time leader in points, three-pointers, field goals, and free throws. In 2017, she became the WNBA's all-time leading scorer.

Taurasi8-20180601
Taurasi8-20180601

She was also the first player to reach 7,000 points, 1,500 rebounds, and 1,500 assists. Her career is defined by both her individual skill and her impact on the game. She helped establish a sports dynasty alongside her former teammate Sue Bird.

Diana Taurasi 2
Diana Taurasi 2
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