Kalani Brown is an American professional basketball player who currently plays center for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA. Standing at 6’7″ (2.01 m), Brown is known for her dominant presence in the paint, championship pedigree, and basketball lineage as the daughter of former NBA player P.J. Brown.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Kalani Brown
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Date of Birth: March 21, 1997
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Hometown: Slidell, Louisiana
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Height: 6’7″ (2.01 m)
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Weight: 245 lbs (111 kg)
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Position: Center
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High School: Salmen High School
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Led team to two Class 4A state championships (2013, 2014)
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All-time school leader in points (2,392), rebounds (1,471), and blocks (605)
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2014 Gatorade Louisiana Player of the Year
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McDonald’s All-American
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High school jersey retired by Salmen High School
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Family:
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Daughter of former NBA champion P.J. Brown and assistant coach Dee Brown
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Both parents played at Louisiana Tech University
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College Career: Baylor (2015–2019)
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Four-year standout for the Baylor Lady Bears
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Accolades:
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Two-time WBCA All-American (2017, 2018)
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2019 NCAA champion
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2019 NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team
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Big 12 Player of the Year (2018)
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Two-time All-Big 12 First Team
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Finished fourth in program history in blocks, ninth in double-doubles, tenth in field goals made, and eleventh in scoring
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Professional Career
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WNBA Draft: 1st round, 7th overall, 2019 WNBA Draft by Los Angeles Sparks
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Teams:
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Los Angeles Sparks (2019)
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Atlanta Dream (2020–2021)
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Dallas Wings (2023–2024)
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Phoenix Mercury (2025–present)
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WNBA Stats (through 2024):
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Rookie season (2019, Sparks): 5.1 points, 3.5 rebounds per game
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2023 (Wings, hardship contract): 7.8 points, 4.5 rebounds per game
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2024 (Wings): 6.0 points, 3.2 rebounds per game
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Career: 5.7 points, 3.6 rebounds per game
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International:
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Played in China (Xinjiang Magic Deer), Turkey (Kayseri Basketbol, Hatayspor), Israel (Maccabi Bnot Ashdod), and Inner Mongolia
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Current Contract:
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Signed three-year deal with Dallas Wings (2025–2027), traded to Phoenix Mercury in 2025
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Projected 2025 salary: $128,750
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Achievements & Honors
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Phoenix Mercury (WNBA, 2025)
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NCAA champion (2019, Baylor)
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NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team (2019)
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Two-time WBCA All-American (2017, 2018)
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Big 12 Player of the Year (2018)
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Two-time All-Big 12 First Team
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Two-time Louisiana Class 4A state champion (high school)
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2014 Gatorade Louisiana Player of the Year
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McDonald’s All-American
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High school jersey retired
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International experience in China, Turkey, Israel, and Inner Mongolia
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Elite size and post presence
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Strong rebounding and shot-blocking
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High basketball IQ and leadership
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Championship experience at multiple levels
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Style:
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Physical, skilled center who excels in the paint
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Brings toughness, championship pedigree, and a team-first mentality
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FAQs About Kalani Brown
What position does Kalani Brown play?
Center
Which team does she play for?
Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)
How old is Kalani Brown?
28 (born March 21, 1997)
What are her main achievements?
NCAA champion, NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team, two-time WBCA All-American, Big 12 Player of the Year, two-time state champion, Gatorade Louisiana Player of the Year, McDonald’s All-American
What is her playing style?
Dominant, physical center with elite size and rebounding
Conclusion
Kalani Brown is a formidable and accomplished center whose size, championship experience, and basketball lineage have made her a valuable addition to the Phoenix Mercury and a respected figure in women’s basketball.
(Age, statistics, and honors are as of June 2025.)
