Diana Taurasi is widely regarded as one of the greatest women’s basketball players in history. She spent her entire 20-season WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury, setting numerous records and winning accolades at every level of the sport.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Diana Lorena Taurasi
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Date of Birth: June 11, 1982
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Hometown: Chino, California
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Height: 6’0″ (1.83 m)
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Weight: 163 lbs (74 kg)
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Position: Guard
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Nicknames: White Mamba (coined by Kobe Bryant), GOAT
College Career
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University of Connecticut (UConn, 2000–2004):
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Led UConn to three consecutive NCAA championships
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Two-time Naismith College Player of the Year
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UConn’s all-time leading scorer at the time of her graduation
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Known for her clutch performances and leadership
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Professional Career
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WNBA Draft: 1st round, 1st overall, 2004 WNBA Draft by Phoenix Mercury
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Teams:
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Phoenix Mercury (2004–2024)
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WNBA Stats (through 2025):
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Games: 565 (league record)
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Points: 10,646 (league record)
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Three-pointers made: 1,447 (league record)
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Free throws made: 2,517 (league record)
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Career averages: 18.8 points, 4.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds per game
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Best season: Multiple seasons averaging over 20 points per game
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Career highs:
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Points: 47
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Assists: 14
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Rebounds: 14
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Steals: 6
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Blocks: 4
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WNBA champion: 2007, 2009, 2014
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WNBA MVP: 2009
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WNBA Finals MVP: 2009, 2014
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WNBA Rookie of the Year: 2004
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WNBA All-Star: 10 selections
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All-WNBA Team: 14 selections (10 first-team)
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WNBA Top 15@15, Top 20@20, The W25: Named to all league anniversary teams
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First player to reach 9,000, then 10,000 career points
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Most three-pointers and free throws in WNBA history
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International and National Team Career
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USA Basketball:
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Olympic gold medalist (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)
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FIBA World Cup gold medalist (2010, 2014, 2018)
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One of only 11 women to win Olympic gold, NCAA title, FIBA World Cup, and WNBA title
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Achievements & Honors
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Phoenix Mercury (WNBA, 2004–2024)
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WNBA champion (2007, 2009, 2014)
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WNBA MVP (2009)
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WNBA Finals MVP (2009, 2014)
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WNBA Rookie of the Year (2004)
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WNBA All-Star (10 times)
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All-WNBA Team (14 times, 10 first-team)
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WNBA Top 15@15, Top 20@20, The W25 (league anniversary teams)
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WNBA all-time leading scorer (10,646 points)
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Most games played in WNBA history (565)
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Most three-pointers and free throws in WNBA history
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Five WNBA scoring titles
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Olympic gold medalist (2004–2024, 6 times)
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FIBA World Cup gold medalist (2010, 2014, 2018)
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Two-time Naismith College Player of the Year
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Three-time NCAA champion (UConn)
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Nicknamed “White Mamba” by Kobe Bryant
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City of Phoenix renamed a street in her honor (“Taurasi Way”)
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Phoenix Mercury practice facility courts named after her
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Elite scoring and three-point shooting
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Exceptional playmaking and court vision
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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 guard 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 Diana Taurasi
What position does Diana Taurasi play?
Guard
Which team did she play for?
Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)
How old is Diana Taurasi?
43 (born June 11, 1982)
What are her main achievements?
WNBA all-time leading scorer (10,646 points), three-time WNBA champion, WNBA MVP, WNBA Finals MVP, WNBA Rookie of the Year, 10-time All-Star, 14-time All-WNBA Team, six-time Olympic gold medalist, three-time FIBA World Cup gold medalist, three-time NCAA champion, nicknamed “White Mamba”
What is her playing style?
Versatile, aggressive guard with elite scoring, playmaking, and leadership
Conclusion
Diana Taurasi is a legendary and accomplished guard whose scoring, leadership, and championship pedigree have made her one of the most respected and influential figures in basketball history
