DeWanna Bonner didn't have to wait long to hear her name called at the WNBA draft in Seacucus, N.J. on Thursday.
The Phoenix Mercury made Bonner the No. 5 pick in the first round. She is the first Auburn player to be picked higher than the third round in the draft.
Point guard Whitney Boddie made it a double for Auburn when she was the Sacramento Monarchs made her the seventh player picked in the second round.
Bonner, a 6-foot-4 guard/forward, is Auburn's all-time leading scorer. She was a first-team All-American as a senior and, led the Southeastern Conference in scoring and led the Tigers to a 30-4 record and the league championship.
Bonner finished her career with 2,162 points, nearly 100 more than the former school record. She also finished her career as one of Auburn's top rebounders, taking second all-time with 1,047.
“I was so excited," Bonner said. "It is a dream come true. You can hear Carolyn Peck and the announcers in the studio talking about who they think is going to be a pick. I was kind of preparing myself when they were talking about me, but I was so excited when I heard my name called. I’m really excited to play with the players on the team. and I’m ready to go to Phoenix.”
“I had no idea Sacramento was interested in me," Boddie said. "But, I know they have a great point guard in Ticha Penicheiro, and she is probably getting toward the end of her career. It would be great if I could make the
team, first, get developed under her and then make my mark in that
organization."
