How Dewanna Bonner and others become Jeollokey team

The WNBA will soon continue to announce the honors as they will reveal things like the WNBA Jellokee and all-defense first and second teams.

Jelloki highlights young players who have a great season and have a bright future.

September 11, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) hopes to pass the ball over Dallas wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) in the first half at the College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images/Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Paige Bueckers won Rookie of the Year this season and she will be a force in the league in the coming years. Then there are other rookies like Sonia Citron, who, despite the big and prestigious awards of Bueckers, could earn honors on the All-Rookie team.

For many years, Phoenix Mercury has talented rookies. The Jeolloki didn't show up early, but it was introduced after Diana Taurasi's rookie season. Taurasi was drafted in 2004 and won the Rookie of the Year after averaging 17.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.3 steals.

Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi smiled after hitting a three-pointer at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on September 19, 2024. / Owen Ziliak / USA Today Network via Imagen Images

Taurasi became the first team of all WNBA that year. Then, after introducing Jerokee to the league, she was honored to be some talented rookies. Temeka Johnson performed well in his rookie season and eventually won Rookie of the Year in 2005. But she wasn't on Mercury at the time. She was with Washington mystics at that time.

Cappie Pondexter is the first Mercury player to become Jeollokey. She was successful after averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.9 steals. Two players on the team will later join Mercury. These players are Candice Dupree and Monique Currie.

Although the team did not have Mercury players in 2007, it was linked to Phoenix. Lindsey Harding made the mark that year, and Mercury traded her in a draft day deal they received from Tangela Smith.

September 25, 2011; Phoenix, Arizona; Phoenix Mercury guard Dewanna Bonner (24) gave a pass to Minnesota Lynx in the first half at the American Airlines Center. Lynx beat Mercury 103-86. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-Imagn Images/Jennifer Stewart-Imagn Images

Dewanna Bonner achieved two years later, which was an Abig year for her and Mercury. She won the sixth woman of the year and Mercury won the second championship.

Over the years, other Mercury players or player Made who later contacted Mercury. Samantha Prahalis, Brittney Griner and Brianna Turner became members of Mercury, while others like Tina Charles, Skylar Diggins and Satou were making their mark when they were with another team.

Phoenix has had great players for years, some of whom have received honors early on.