Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Alyssa Thomas

Discover the career path of Alyssa Thomas, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Alyssa Thomas is an American professional basketball player, currently a forward for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA. Known for her versatility and all-around game, she previously played for the Connecticut Sun after being drafted 4th overall by the New York Liberty in 2014 and immediately traded. Thomas is a decorated player, holding the University of Maryland's all-time records in scoring, rebounding, and double-doubles. She is also one of only nine players in NCAAW history to achieve six career triple-doubles. Thomas currently holds the WNBA record for career triple-doubles, solidifying her place as one of the league's most impactful and unique players. She is the only player in WNBA history to record a stat line of 15+ points, 15+ rebounds, and 10+ assists with zero turnovers.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: ACC Player of the Year and All-American

In 2012, Alyssa Thomas was named the ACC Player of the Year and an AP, WBCA, and USBWA First Team All-American after leading the ACC in scoring with 17.2 points per game. She also led the Maryland Terrapins to the 2012 ACC Championship and earned ACC Tournament MVP honors.

2014: Drafted by New York Liberty and Traded to Connecticut Sun

In 2014, Alyssa Thomas was drafted 4th overall by the New York Liberty in the WNBA draft, and immediately traded to the Connecticut Sun. She also played for Bucheon KEB Hana Bank in South Korea in 2014.

2014: WNBA All-Rookie Team

In 2014, Alyssa Thomas was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team, averaging 10.0 points and 5.1 rebounds in 34 games with 28 starts for the Connecticut Sun.

2015: Trade to Connecticut Sun Completed

In 2015, the trade from New York Liberty to Connecticut Sun was completed, and she led the league in scoring and rebounding, averaging 19 points and 11.1 rebounds per game for Bucheon KEB Hana Bank.

2016: Signed with Yakin Dogu in Turkey

In 2016, Alyssa Thomas signed with Yakin Dogu in Turkey.

2017: First WNBA All-Star Game Appearance

In 2017, Alyssa Thomas emerged as an all-star in the WNBA, scoring a career-high 26 points against the Washington Mystics and being voted into the 2017 WNBA All-Star Game. The Sun made their first playoff appearance since 2012.

2017: Signed with Yongin Samsung Blueminx

In the 2016-17 offseason, Alyssa Thomas signed with Yongin Samsung Blueminx of the Korean League, and resigned with them for the 2017-18 off-season.

February 2018: Re-signed with Connecticut Sun

In February 2018, Alyssa Thomas re-signed with the Sun to a multi-year deal in free agency.

August 9, 2018: Scored Season-High and Clinched Playoff Spot

On August 9, 2018, Alyssa Thomas scored a season-high 22 points in a victory over the Dallas Wings, helping the Sun clinch a playoff spot.

2018: Signed with USK Praha

In 2018, Alyssa Thomas signed with USK Praha of the Czech League for the 2018-19 off-season.

2022: Won Gold Medal at FIBA World Cup

In 2022, Alyssa Thomas won a gold medal for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup.

June 2024: Named to US Olympic Team

In June 2024, Alyssa Thomas was named to the US women's Olympic team to compete at the 2024 Summer Olympics in France.

November 12, 2024: Announced to Play in Unrivaled League

On November 12, 2024, it was announced that Alyssa Thomas would appear and play in the inaugural 2025 season of Unrivaled, the women's 3-on-3 basketball league.

2024: Won Gold Medal at Summer Olympics

In 2024, Alyssa Thomas won a gold medal for Team USA at the Summer Olympics.

February 2, 2025: Traded to Phoenix Mercury

On February 2, 2025, Alyssa Thomas was traded to the Phoenix Mercury as part of a larger four-team trade.

July 2025: Reunited with DeWanna Bonner on Mercury

In July 2025, Alyssa Thomas's former Connecticut Sun teammate, DeWanna Bonner, signed with the Phoenix Mercury, making them teammates again.

August 7, 2025: Recorded Third Consecutive Triple-Double

On August 7, 2025, in a game against the Indiana Fever, Alyssa Thomas recorded her third consecutive triple-double, a WNBA record, with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. As of that date she was the WNBA's career leader in triple-doubles, with 19.