WNBA Phoenix Mercury

Mercury Announces Inaugural Bridget Pettis Hustle Award

Published on September 21, 2009 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Phoenix Mercury News Release


PHOENIX - The Phoenix Mercury today announced that DeWanna Bonner has been named the winner of the inaugural Bridget Pettis Hustle Award. The award, voted on by the Mercury coaching staff, recognizes the player who best embodies the qualities of Mercury legend, Bridget Pettis: energy, enthusiasm and attitude.

"As a player, Bridget brought an immeasurable amount of energy on and off the court and was a definite motivator for the team," said General Manager Ann Meyers Drysdale. "This remains true even as an assistant coach, so in recognition of her contributions, we are dedicating the award to her and honoring the current Mercury player that brings the vigor and hard work that Bridget brought to the team."

As a rookie this season, Bonner found ways to contribute despite being surrounded by some of the league's most prolific scorers. The first-round draft pick (fifth overall) led the Mercury in rebounding (5.8 rpg) and ranked third on the team in scoring (11.2 ppg) in an offense that saw few plays drawn for her. The Auburn product was one of just 12 players this season to record at least five double-doubles, and the only rookie to record more than one.

Bonner will be presented with a plaque by Pettis prior to tipoff of tonight's Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals at US Airways Center at 7 p.m.

In 2006, the Mercury included Pettis in a permanent fixture in the US Airways Center as a tribute to four of the organization's pillars since its inception in 1997. The banner that hangs in the rafters features photographs of the first three players ever to join the organization - forward Jennifer Gillom and guards Michele Timms and Bridget Pettis - and the original Head Coach and General Manager, Cheryl Miller.

The Mercury hosts the San Antonio Silver Stars in a decisive Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals tonight at US Airways Center at 7 p.m. Tickets in the lower-level are still available and can be purchased by calling 602.252.WNBA or by visiting phoenixmercury.com.

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