WNBA Phoenix Mercury

DeWanna Bonner Named WNBA's adidas Rookie of the Month

July 15, 2009 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Phoenix Mercury News Release


NEW YORK, July 15, 2009 - DeWanna Bonner of the Phoenix Mercury was named the WNBA's adidas Rookie of the Month for games in June. She appeared in all 10 games for the Mercury to start the 2009 season.

In those 10 games, the 6'4" guard led all rookies in rebounding (6.1 rpg) and was second among rookies who played at least six games in scoring (11.5 ppg). In her WNBA debut, Bonner posted a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds in a 90-79 Mercury win against the defending Western Conference champion San Antonio Silver Stars. Bonner's season-high 21 points came in a 104-80 win over the Minnesota Lynx, during which she also collected 10 rebounds.

The fifth overall pick in the 2009 WNBA Draft presented by adidas, Bonner has made a strong debut as a professional following an exceptional career at Auburn University. With her versatility, Bonner has added depth to the Mercury, who currently hold the best record (10-4) in the Western Conference. Bonner currently leads all rookies and is tied for second in the league in double-doubles with three.

Below are the highlights of Bonner's outstanding month: - June 6 vs. San Antonio: 16 points on 7-of-14 shooting and a career-best 11 rebounds in a 90-79 victory - June 8 vs. New York: Career-high 28 minutes and 13 points in a 91-84 victory - June 17 vs. Minnesota: Career-best 21 points and 10 rebounds in a 104-80 win - June 27 vs. Minnesota: 19 points; including 7-7 on free throws in a 109-80 loss

About the WNBA The WNBA is a unique global sports property combining competition, sportsmanship, and entertainment value with its status as an icon for social change, achievement, and diversity. Comprised of 13 teams, the WNBA is the most successful women's professional team sports league in the world. The league concluded its historic 12th regular season with increases in attendance, ratings, Web traffic, and merchandise sales. The 2009 WNBA season tipped off June 6 on ABC.

Through WNBA Cares, the WNBA is deeply committed to creating programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and positive body image, increase breast and women's health awareness, support youth and family development, and focus on education. For more information on the WNBA, log on to www.wnba.com.

About adidas The adidas Group is one of the global leaders within the sporting goods industry, offering a broad range of products around three core segments: adidas, Reebok and Taylor Made-adidas. adidas has been providing innovative products for the world's best athletes for more than 50 years, from past legends to today's superstars, such as Dwight Howard, Candace Parker, Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan. On April 11, 2006 adidas and the National Basketball Association signed an 11-year global merchandising partnership making the adidas brand the official uniform and apparel provider for the NBA, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the NBA Development League (D-League) beginning with the 2006-07 NBA season.

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