Phoenix Mercury add WNBL stars Sara Blicavs and Olivia Epoupa to training camp
After standout seasons in the WNBL, 2020 champion Olivia Epoupa and runner-up Sara Blicavs have both been signed to training camp contracts with the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA.
https://twitter.com/PhoenixMercury/status/1248340053790584832
Epoupa played an integral role for the University of Canberra Capitals in capturing their ninth WNBL championship in 2020, with the 5'5 guard averaging 9.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and a team-best 6.7 assists across the season. The pocket-rocket point guard lifted to another level in the Grand Final series, claiming the Rachel Sporn Medal for being named the Most Outstanding Player in the Championship Series.
https://twitter.com/UCCapitals/status/1235169506223247360
The French national led the WNBL in in steals with 3 per game, was second in the league in assists, while she also ranked a remarkable tenth in the league for rebounding despite her diminutive stature. Together with New York Liberty guard Kia Nurse, they formed one of the most formidable back courts in the league.
Epoupa played alongside new Mercury teammate Bria Hartley in helping France qualify for the Olympic Games, including a win against current Phoenix head coach Sandy Brondello and her Opals squad featuring Blicavs and current Mercury forward Alanna Smith.
A dynamic 6"2 forward, Blicavs averaged 13.4 points and 7.0 rebounds in 25 games for the Southside Flyers who boasted one of the besting starting lineups in the WNBL in 2019/20. She played on a team boasting Seattle Storm centre Mercedes Russell, former Mercury point guard Leilani Mitchell, and current Australian national squad members Jenna O'Hea and Bec Cole.
https://twitter.com/WNBL/status/1224226512452247552
In the team's debut season, the explosive and versatile stretch forward shot 37.1% from three-point range on the season, with her team just one win away from clinching the championship.
Both Epoupa and Blicavs also saw playing time against current Mercury players Sophie Cunningham (Deakin Melbourne Boomers) and Brianna Turner (Adelaide Lightning) and will join the team for training camp when it begins as they take aim at securing a spot on the final roster.