Megan McConnell’s promising WNBA debut with the Phoenix Mercury took an unfortunate turn when she sustained a knee injury late in the fourth quarter of her first game against the Minnesota Lynx. The 23-year-old guard, who had recently signed with the Mercury after initially being waived post-training camp, had shown potential during her 13 minutes on the court, recording 3 points, 3 assists, an offensive rebound, and a steal .
The injury occurred during a collision with Lynx forward Alissa Pili while McConnell was chasing a loose ball. She was helped off the court by her teammates, and initial concerns pointed towards a serious knee injury . Subsequent evaluations brought some relief, confirming that McConnell had not suffered a torn ACL. However, she is expected to be sidelined for approximately 3 to 4 weeks as she recovers from the injury .
McConnell’s journey to the WNBA has been marked by determination and resilience. After going undrafted, she earned a training camp invitation with the Mercury but was initially waived. Her perseverance paid off when she was re-signed and made her official debut . Her college career at Duquesne University was notable, averaging 18.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5 assists in her senior season .
The timing of her injury is particularly challenging for the Mercury, who are already dealing with other player absences. As they prepare to face the Golden State Valkyries, the team will need to adjust their lineup and strategy to compensate for the loss of McConnell’s contributions on the court .
Despite this setback, McConnell’s determination and the support from her teammates and fans suggest that she will approach her recovery with the same tenacity that has defined her basketball journey thus far.
