WNBA Draft: Jillian Alleyne Selected 20th Overall Pick By Phoenix Mercury
Former Oregon Ducks Star Jillian Alleyne was selected in the WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night.
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If there was ever a Student Athlete at the University of Oregon that was deserving of anything at the next level it is Jillian Alleyne and on Thursday night, a dream came true as she was selected in the first round of the WNBA Draft. She will begin her professional career in Phoenix as a member of the Mercury, but first a long road is ahead with rehab from a torn ACL she suffered the last month of the regular season with the Oregon Ducks.
Alleyne could have been drafted higher. She accomplished so much at the College level. She was a rebounding machine for the Ducks. She had 92 double doubles, good enough for 2nd all time in NCAA History. She pulled down over 1700 rebounds in her four year career at the University of Oregon. She survived numerous coaching changes and had her most successful season in 2015 leading the team almost to the end. Oregon fell short of their goal, making the NCAA Tournament, but played well without their star making it to the Final Four of the WNIT.
In her four year career she became just the 10th player in NCAA History to reach 2000 career points and 1500 rebounds. We can hope she can do the same in her professional career.
"This is a great day for Jillian. I’m excited to see one of her dreams realized. She has worked hard for this and I’m so happy for her and her fantastic family. Her game will translate well to the pros and she will be a great addition to the Mercury. Her first order of business is to continue with her rehab and get herself ready for the WNBA next season.Oregon Ducks Head Coach Kelly Graves on Alleyne’s Selection in the WNBA Draft(via GoDucks.com)"