PHOENIX– The more that players trickle into the Phoenix Mercury roster, the more that Alyssa Thomas‘s influence on the organization becomes paramount.
As soon as Thomas re-signed with the Mercury, the organization knew that another WNBA Finals run was possible. So much so that general manager Nick U’Ren continues to build the ideal team around her: shooters, playmaking, and versatile positionless players.
Valériane Ayayi and Kyara Linskens fit into this equation. The latter is more of a traditional big but is someone who can easily stretch the floor. Meanwhile, Ayayi is seen as a playmaking forward with a knack for defensive versatility.
The latter played with Thomas on their respective overseas team, ZVVZ USK Prague.
“I feel like we are kind of the same player,” Ayayi said following Monday’s practice regarding playing with Thomas. “That’s why we have a lot of fun playing together because we can handle the ball, pass the ball. I might be shooting more than her, but this is kind of the same game that we love to play.”
Linskens hasn’t played with Thomas, but understands her magnitude as an opponent. As a member of the Belgium National Team, the 6’4 shooter was, and is, a problem for opposing defenses.
“She’s great. She’s talking; she has high expectations and high standards, which is normal. I’m gonna learn a lot from her, for sure,” Linskens explained.
Rounding the roster out with familiarity can certainly help through the beginning of the new season.
PHOENIX– The more that players trickle into the Phoenix Mercury roster, the more that Alyssa Thomas’s influence on the organization becomes paramount. As soon as Thomas re-signed with the Mercury, the organization knew that another WNBA Finals run was possible.