Miami's Destiny Harden Drafted by WNBA's Phoenix Mercury
Both Miami Hurricanes basketball programs were fantastic this past season, in large part due to contributions from key players.
Whether that was key transfers or existing players stepping up, both programs managed to reached the Elite 8 and shock the basketball world.
One of those key players for the women's team was Destiny Harden, a former three-star recruit from Chicago that decided to transfer to Miami after one season at West Virginia. Last night, Harden heard her name called in the WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury.
DESTINY. HARDEN. DRAFTED.@PhoenixMercury x #WNBADraft pic.twitter.com/xbKP4ICFgm
— Hurricanes Women’s Basketball (@CanesWBB) April 11, 2023
Harden played a big role in Miami's upset wins in March Madness, putting up 18 points against Indiana and 15 points and 9 rebounds against Villanova. Harden also hit the eventual game-winning shot to beat Indiana.
Additionally, Harden's selection makes her just the seventh player selected in the program's history and the first since Beatrice Mompremier in 2020.
No. 27 overall, No. 1 in our hearts 🙌
— Hurricanes Women’s Basketball (@CanesWBB) April 11, 2023
Destiny becomes the seventh player in program history picked in the #WNBADraft https://t.co/1SSCQS2RPx
Harden always intended on going pro, as in yesterday's media availability she spoke about preparing herself to go pro in the coming months. To her surprise, she'll be doing that a lot sooner than expected.
Head coach Katie Meier has not just been a fond of the player Harden has become, but also the person. Dating back to before the Villanova game, Meier told the media "Destiny’s never going to let you down…she is reliable, dependable and honorable…I’m blessed to have her on the team".
Even with a talented player like Harden gone, Meier has shifted her focus to the offseason, as she awaits the decision of the Cavinder twins and will focus on getting her roster ready for another successful run.
For now, Hurricanes fans can celebrate for Harden as she'll begin her WNBA career in Phoenix.
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You can find Liam on Twitter @theleftyliam where he shares news on University of Miami basketball and football as well as opinions