Phoenix Draft Pick Megan Franza Plays Well For Washington

The Phoenix Mercury drafted Megan Franza in 2001, and while she did not play for them, she showed what she was capable of in her college years.

Jun 1, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; The game ball with the WNBA commissioner's cup logo sits on the court during the second quarter of the game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Minnesota Lynx at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

In some cases, the Phoenix Mercury drafted players who did not suit up for them. Tauja Catchings is an example, and she was Phoenix's third-round pick in 2000. She attended Illinois, and she had some notable seasons during that time. Her talents caught the attention of the Mercury, and they selected her the same year they picked Adrian Williams-Strong and Shantia Owens.

The following year, the Mercury had two picks in the fourth round. Their last pick was Megan Franza, and she attended Washington. Franza had some solid seasons during that time, and in her first season, she averaged 7.5 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals. Her stats improved after that, as she averaged 12.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals.

Jul 26, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; General view of basketball shoes worn by New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) during the second half against the Los Angeles Sparks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images

Franza's third season was her best, and she averaged 17.2 points, three rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals. Then, in her final season, she averaged 16.1 points, 3.7 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals.

In her final season, Franza helped Washington go on a solid tournament run. Washington faced Old Dominion in the first round, and Franza and her teammates beat their opponent by two points.

Aug 26, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Detailed view of the basketball sneakers worn by Los Angeles Sparks forward Azura Stevens (23) against the Phoenix Mercury at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Huskies had three players who scored in double figures, and Loree Payne led the way. Payne had 20 points, and Giuliana Mendiola and Franza both had 12 points. In Franza's case, she had six assists, two rebounds and a steal in the process.

Franza continues her journey

Washington's tournament run was alive, and in the next game, Franza and her teammates faced Florida. They beat the Gators 86-75, and she finished the game with 15 points. She also had six assists, five rebounds and two steals. The Huskies had three more players who scored 10 or more points, as Mendiola had 18 points, and Andrea Lalum and Payne both had 14.

Aug 21, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; General view of basketball shoes worn by Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) during the first half against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images

Things were looking up for the Huskies, and in their game against Oklahoma, she had her best performance. Franza finished the game with 17 points, six rebounds and three assists. Washington beat Oklahoma by 17, and the team moved on to the Elite Eight. Then, the Huskies' run came to an end, as Southwest Missouri State beat them 104-87. Franza had 12 points, six assists and three steals in that game.

After that season, the Washington guard was drafted by the Mercury, and she became a part of their history. Franza had some great college seasons, and her final year helped her get drafted by Phoenix.

Please follow us on X to read more about past Mercury draft picks like Megan Franza when you click right here!