Ohio State Star Samantha Prahalis Shines as Phoenix Mercury Rookie

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Samantha Prahalis was a first-round draft pick of the Phoenix Mercury in 2012, marking the start of her professional basketball career. In her rookie season, Prahalis made a significant impact, averaging 11.6 points, 4.5 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. Prior to joining the WNBA, Prahalis had a standout college career at Ohio State University, where she consistently improved and finished her collegiate career with impressive averages of 15.1 points, 6.8 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game.

Why it matters

Prahalis' transition from a successful college player to a promising WNBA rookie highlights the continued growth and popularity of women's basketball. Her early career achievements with the Phoenix Mercury helped establish her as a rising star in the league and a role model for aspiring young players.

The details

In her first WNBA season, Prahalis made an immediate impact, showcasing her well-rounded skills on the court. She averaged double-digit scoring, dished out nearly five assists per game, and contributed on the defensive end with over one steal per contest. Prior to the WNBA, Prahalis had a standout college career at Ohio State, where she steadily improved each season, culminating in a senior year where she averaged nearly 20 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals per game.

• Prahalis was selected 6th overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2012 WNBA Draft.
• In her rookie season with the Mercury in 2012, Prahalis averaged 11.6 points, 4.5 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game.
• At Ohio State, Prahalis finished her collegiate career in 2012 with averages of 15.1 points, 6.8 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game.
• As a freshman at Ohio State in 2008-09, Prahalis averaged 10.2 points, 5.8 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game.