Shay Ciezki, a rookie guard for the Phoenix Mercury, learned valuable lessons during her first WNBA preseason about the importance of elements not reflected in box scores. She aims to apply these insights as she competes for a roster spot on a veteran team.
Key points
Shay Ciezki is a rookie guard for the Phoenix Mercury.
She learned valuable lessons during her first WNBA preseason.
Ciezki aims to apply insights from preseason to the regular season.
The Mercury team includes stars like Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper.
She joined the team after her collegiate career at Indiana.
PHOENIX — Phoenix Mercury rookie guard Shay Ciezki said the biggest lesson from her first WNBA preseason was learning how much value comes from elements that never appear in a box score.
After arriving in Phoenix on a training camp contract after wrapping up her collegiate career at Indiana, the undrafted rookie competed for one of the final roster spots on a veteran-heavy Mercury team built around stars such as Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper.
Although the Mercury waived her during preseason roster cuts, Ciezki made enough of an impression to earn one of Phoenix’s two developmental contracts, allowing the organization to continue investing in the promising young guard.
“My first reaction, I definitely had some tears,” Ciezki told PHNX Mercury’s Stephen PridGeon-Garner about learning she earned the contract. “… I’m full of gratitude.”
Q&A
What did Shay Ciezki learn during her WNBA preseason?
Shay Ciezki learned the value of elements that don't appear in box scores during her first WNBA preseason.
Who are the key players on the Phoenix Mercury team?
The Phoenix Mercury team is built around stars such as Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper.
How did Shay Ciezki join the Phoenix Mercury?
Shay Ciezki joined the Phoenix Mercury on a training camp contract after completing her collegiate career at Indiana.
What challenges does Shay Ciezki face as a rookie in the WNBA?
As a rookie, Shay Ciezki faces the challenge of competing for one of the final roster spots on a veteran-heavy team.
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The developmental contracts were introduced as part of the league’s new CBA, allowing teams to keep up to two players in their system for continued development. The addition gives franchises more flexibility to invest in young talent while also providing players with a more stable environment to grow without immediately seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Now with a spot in the organization, Ciezki said her biggest takeaway from preseason was learning how much value comes from the little things.
“I think the biggest lesson is to not focus so much on the basketball part of it, but the intangibles,” Ciezki said. “What you’re willing to do for the team and how big of an impact that is, even if it’s really small.”
The rookie said Phoenix’s veterans reinforced the importance of communication, effort and energy rather than trying to force big moments.
“Just talking on defense, being where you need to be, being the energy player. The little stuff,” Ciezki said. “We have the ATs [Alyssa Thomas]. We have the Kahs [Kahleah Copper]. We have our players. So, the biggest thing is just how can we help them and how can we support them as much as we can.”
Ciezki embracing that mindset early matters as much as any on-court action as the regular season gets underway. Phoenix choosing to bet on continuity with veterans pushes younger players to find ways to contribute without needing the ball in their hands.
For developmental players especially, understanding spacing, defensive positioning and how to complement star talent can often determine how quickly they earn trust within the organization.
As Ciezki begins her professional career in Phoenix, her ability to embrace those smaller responsibilities could ultimately shape how quickly she earns a larger role with the Mercury.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
