Shumate Steps Down From Mercury Post
February 6, 2004 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Phoenix Mercury News Release
Phoenix, Ariz.- As announced by the Phoenix Suns earlier this afternoon, John Shumate has stepped down from the position of head coach of the Phoenix Mercury. Shumate will return to the Phoenix Suns organization as a college scout.
"I'm very proud of what I accomplished with the Mercury last season and I'm leaving the team in a very strong position for the future," said Shumate, who guided the Mercury to an 8-26 record in 2003. "As much as I enjoy the WNBA game, it became clear this off-season that my heart and long-term career ambitions are in the NBA. With the Suns having some big decisions in the immediate future, especially in the draft, the timing just seemed right."
Shumate, 51, was a college scout in 2001 before accepting the Mercury head coaching position on October 23, 2002 after 17 years of coaching at Notre Dame, Grand Canyon College (now Grand Canyon State), Southern Methodist University and the NBA's Toronto Raptors.
"We can't say enough about John's contribution to the Mercury," said Seth Sulka, Mercury Vice President/General Manager, who added the search for a new Mercury Head Coach will begin immediately. "We had a well-coached team last season that played their hearts out every night and gave our fans a team they could be proud of."
The Phoenix Mercury begin their eighth season on Thursday, May 20 when they host the Sacramento Monarchs at 7 p.m. inside America West Arena. The Mercury, who own the #1 pick in the WNBA College Draft, recently added depth to their roster with the addition of Penny Taylor, the #1 pick in the WNBA Dispersal Draft.
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from February 6, 2004
- Silver Stars sign WNBA veteran Jessie Hicks - San Antonio Stars
- Shumate Steps Down From Mercury Post - Phoenix Mercury
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