Brittney Griner is an American professional basketball player who currently plays center for the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA. Renowned for her dominance in the paint, Griner is a nine-time WNBA All-Star, the league’s third all-time leading shot-blocker, and a franchise record-holder for the Phoenix Mercury in multiple categories.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Brittney Yevette Griner
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Date of Birth: October 18, 1990
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Hometown: Houston, Texas
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Height: 6’9″ (2.06 m)
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Weight: 205 lbs (93 kg)
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Position: Center
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High School: Aldine Nimitz High School (Houston, Texas)
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Nationally ranked recruit
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Multiple national high school player of the year awards
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College: Baylor University
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Led Baylor to a 40–0 season and NCAA championship (2012)
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Two-time National Player of the Year
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NCAA all-time leader in blocked shots
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Professional Career
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WNBA Draft: 1st round, 1st overall, 2013 WNBA Draft by Phoenix Mercury
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Teams:
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Phoenix Mercury (2013–2024)
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Atlanta Dream (2025–present)
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WNBA Stats (through 2025):
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Games: 315+ (all starts with Phoenix)
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Career averages: ~17.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 2.6 blocks per game
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Best season: 2021—20.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.9 blocks per game
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Career highs:
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Points: 38
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Rebounds: 15
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Assists: 8
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Blocks: 11
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WNBA records:
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Third all-time in career blocks (812)
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Fastest to 500 blocks in WNBA history (153 games)
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Only player to record 4,000+ points, 2,000+ rebounds, and 700+ blocks in fewer than 300 games
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Franchise leader for Phoenix Mercury in blocks, rebounds, double-doubles, and two-point field goals made
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Second in franchise history in points and field goals made
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Accolades:
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Nine-time WNBA All-Star
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Six-time All-Star starter
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All-WNBA First Team
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WNBA All-Defensive Second Team
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Multiple Western Conference Player of the Week honors
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Led the league in blocks (2014, 2015, 2019, 2021)
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Overseas/Other:
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Played for UMMC Ekaterinburg (Russia)
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Multiple EuroLeague and Russian League championships
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Achievements & Honors
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Atlanta Dream (WNBA, 2025–present)
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Phoenix Mercury (WNBA, 2013–2024)
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Nine-time WNBA All-Star
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Six-time WNBA All-Star starter
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All-WNBA First Team (2021)
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WNBA All-Defensive Second Team (2016, 2021)
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WNBA All-Rookie Team (2013)
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Third all-time in WNBA career blocks (812)
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Fastest to 500 blocks in WNBA history (153 games)
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Phoenix Mercury franchise leader in blocks, rebounds, double-doubles, and two-point field goals made
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Second in Mercury history in points and field goals made
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Only player with 4,000+ points, 2,000+ rebounds, 700+ blocks in fewer than 300 games
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Led league in blocks four times
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Baylor University: NCAA champion (2012), two-time National Player of the Year, NCAA all-time shot-block leader
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Multiple EuroLeague and Russian League championships
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Elite shot-blocking and rim protection
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Dominant scoring in the paint
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High basketball IQ and leadership
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Clutch performer in big games
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Style:
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Aggressive, dynamic center who excels in transition and half-court offense
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Brings toughness, championship experience, and a team-first mentality
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FAQs About Brittney Griner
What position does Brittney Griner play?
Center
Which team does she play for?
Atlanta Dream (WNBA)
How old is Brittney Griner?
34 (born October 18, 1990)
What are her main achievements?
Nine-time WNBA All-Star, third all-time in WNBA blocks, Phoenix Mercury franchise leader in blocks/rebounds/double-doubles, NCAA champion, two-time National Player of the Year
What is her playing style?
Dominant, aggressive center with elite shot-blocking and scoring in the paint
Conclusion
Brittney Griner is a dominant and accomplished center whose shot-blocking, scoring, and championship pedigree have made her one of the most respected and influential figures in women’s basketball.
