Completed Event: Women's Basketball at Eastern Kentucky on March 19, 2026 , Loss , 58, to, 72
Final Score
Women's Basketball
58
at Eastern Kentucky
72
The University of Utah Athletics
Mitchell Taken By Phoenix Mercury in WNBA Draft
4/9/2008 12:00 AM | Women's Basketball
April 9, 2008
SALT LAKE CITY -University of Utah standout point guard Leilani Mitchell was drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in the second round of the WNBA draft on Wednesday afternoon. Mitchell was the No. 25 pick overall.
"It was definitely nerve-racking, not knowing where I was going to be picked," said Mitchell. "It's a big step in my basketball career, making it to the next level and playing against the best players in the world. But, it's not a done deal yet. I still have to go down there and work hard so I can make the team.
"It would be fun to play in Phoenix. I'll have a chance to bring the ball up and pass it to someone like Diana Taurasi. She is probably one the best shooting guards to ever play the game."
The regular season launches on May 17 when the Mercury host the Los Angeles Sparks. Phoenix is the defending WNBA Champion.
"What a thrill for Leilani," said Utah head coach Elaine Elliott. "She worked hard to earn this opportunity, and we couldn't be any happier for her."
The Kennewick, Wash., native asserted herself as one of the top collegiate point guards in the country this past season. She was one of three finalists for the Lieberman Award (given to the top Division I point guard), and was named a third team All-American by both the Associated Press and CBSsports.com. She also earned honorable mention All-America accolades from the WBCA. In addition, Mitchell won the Mountain West Conference Player and Newcomer of the Year awards and was a first team all-conference pick.
Mitchell becomes the third Utah player to be drafted by the WNBA. Shona Thorburn and Kim Smith were first-round selections back in 2006, going to the Minnesota Lynx and Sacramento Monarchs, respectively. Thorburn was the seventh overall pick and Smith was No. 13.
Players Mentioned
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