Phoenix Mercury's 2004 Coaching Staff Laid Groundwork for Future Success

Carrie Graf's assistant coaches that season included several notable names who went on to have successful careers.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:04pm

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In 2004, the Phoenix Mercury hired Carrie Graf as their new head coach after a dismal 8-26 season the previous year. Graf assembled an impressive coaching staff that included former Mercury player Lisa Harrison, experienced coach Brian Agler, and ex-NBA player Cedric Ceballos. That 2004 season, which saw the Mercury draft future superstar Diana Taurasi, set the stage for the team's eventual championship success in the years to come.

Why it matters

The 2004 Mercury coaching staff played a pivotal role in turning around the franchise's fortunes and laying the groundwork for their future championship runs. The mix of experienced coaches and former players provided strong leadership and guidance that helped develop the team's young talent, including Taurasi, into WNBA champions.

The details

In her first season as Mercury head coach in 2004, Carrie Graf brought in an accomplished assistant coaching staff. This included former Mercury player Lisa Harrison, who had retired the previous year after spending five seasons with the team. Brian Agler, an established college and professional coach, also joined Graf's staff that year before going on to lead other WNBA franchises. Additionally, ex-NBA player Cedric Ceballos, who had played for the Phoenix Suns, was part of the coaching team.

  • The Mercury hired Carrie Graf as head coach prior to the 2004 WNBA season.
  • The Mercury drafted Diana Taurasi, who would become a franchise cornerstone, during the 2004 season.

The players

Carrie Graf

The head coach of the Phoenix Mercury in 2004, tasked with turning around the team after an 8-26 season the previous year.

Lisa Harrison

A former Mercury player from 1999 to 2003 who joined Carrie Graf's coaching staff in 2004 after retiring as a player.

Brian Agler

An experienced college and professional coach who joined the Mercury's coaching staff in 2004, before going on to lead other WNBA franchises.

Cedric Ceballos

A former NBA player, including for the Phoenix Suns, who was part of the Mercury's coaching staff in 2004.

Diana Taurasi

The future superstar who the Mercury drafted during the 2004 season, setting the stage for the team's future championship success.

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What they’re saying

“Having the right coaching staff is key, and in most cases, it takes the team far.”

— Davion Moore, Author

The takeaway

The 2004 Mercury coaching staff, led by Carrie Graf and featuring experienced assistants like Lisa Harrison, Brian Agler, and Cedric Ceballos, played a crucial role in laying the foundation for the team's future championship success. Their guidance and leadership helped develop young talent like Diana Taurasi, setting the stage for the Mercury to become one of the WNBA's premier franchises.