DePaul University has quietly become a powerhouse for WNBA talent, and one of its latest stars is making waves in the league. Meet Lexi Held, the Phoenix Mercury's rising rookie who's proving that sometimes the best gems are the ones overlooked. Held, who went undrafted in 2022, found her stride this season, averaging 5.3 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. But here's where it gets exciting: early in the season, she showcased her true potential as a sharpshooter, with standout performances that turned heads across the league.
One game, in particular, cemented her status as a player to watch. Against the Golden State Valkyries, Held exploded for 24 points, adding two assists and a steal to her stat line. It was a performance that reminded fans and critics alike why the Mercury took a chance on this undrafted talent. Like many of her fellow rookies, Held was a hidden gem waiting for the right opportunity to shine.
But Held’s journey to the WNBA is just one chapter in DePaul’s rich history with the league. And this is the part most people miss: since 1997, DePaul has sent 11 players to the WNBA, each leaving their mark on the league in unique ways. Take Kim Williams, for example, who was drafted by the Utah Starzz in 1997 after a stellar college career. Williams averaged 25.1 points, 5.6 assists, 4.5 steals, and 4 rebounds in her final season at DePaul, earning her a spot in the WNBA where she played for two years before heading overseas.
Then there’s Latasha Byears, who went undrafted in 1997 but was invited to the Sacramento Monarchs’ training camp. She not only made the team but went on to have a career-best season in 1998, averaging 14.2 points and 6.6 rebounds. Byears later won two championships with the Los Angeles Sparks, proving that sometimes the road to success is anything but straightforward.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while DePaul has consistently produced WNBA talent, the question remains—why aren’t more of its players drafted in the early rounds? Is it a matter of scouting oversight, or are these players simply late bloomers? Mfon Udoka, another DePaul alum, joined the Detroit Shock in 1998 but only played three games before finding more success later in her career. It’s a pattern that raises eyebrows and invites debate.
Fast forward to today, and DePaul’s legacy continues with players like Allie Quigley, who spent time with the Mercury, and Aneesah Morrow, who started her college career at DePaul before transferring to LSU. Held’s success this season is a testament to the program’s ability to develop talent, and she’ll undoubtedly continue to represent her school proudly next year.
So, here’s the question for you: Do you think DePaul is an underrated pipeline to the WNBA, or are these success stories just happy accidents? Let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow us on X to stay updated on Lexi Held’s journey and more inspiring stories from the world of women’s basketball. Click here to join the conversation: https://x.com/MercuryOnSI!
