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 a professional basketball player in the WNBA, currently playing forward for the Phoenix Mercury. Drafted 4th overall by the New York Liberty in 2014, she was immediately traded to the Connecticut Sun. A standout player in college at the University of Maryland, she holds the all-time scoring, rebounding, and double-double records for both the women's and men's programs. Thomas is also one of only nine players in NCAA women's basketball history with six career triple-doubles. In the WNBA, she boasts fifteen career triple-doubles and holds the distinction of being the only WNBA player to record at least 15 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists with zero turnovers.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: Connecticut Sun Playoff Berth

In 2012, the Connecticut Sun made it to the playoffs, but would not make it to the playoffs again until 2017.

2014: Played for Bucheon KEB Hana Bank

In 2014, Alyssa Thomas played in South Korea for Bucheon KEB Hana Bank.

2014: WNBA Draft and Trade

In 2014, Alyssa Thomas was drafted 4th overall by the New York Liberty in the WNBA draft and immediately traded to the Connecticut Sun along with Kelsey Bone and a 2015 first-round draft pick in exchange for Tina Charles.

2014: WNBA Rookie Season

In 2014, Alyssa Thomas was drafted and traded to the Connecticut Sun, averaging 10.0 points and 5.1 rebounds, and was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team.

2015: Trade implications

In 2015, as part of the 2014 trade to the Connecticut Sun, the Sun received a first-round draft pick from the New York Liberty.

2015: Led League in Scoring and Rebounding

In 2015, while playing for Bucheon KEB Hana Bank, Alyssa Thomas led the league in scoring and rebounding, averaging 19 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.

2016: Signed with Yakin Dogu

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

2017: WNBA All-Star and Playoff Appearance

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

2017: Signed with Yongin Samsung Blueminx

In 2017, Alyssa Thomas signed with Yongin Samsung Blueminx of the Korean League.

February 2018: Re-signed with the Sun

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

August 9, 2018: Playoff Berth Clinched

On August 9, 2018, Alyssa Thomas scored a season-high 22 points to help the Sun clinch a playoff spot.

2018: Signed with USK Praha

In 2018, Alyssa Thomas signed with USK Praha of the Czech League.

November 12, 2024: Unrivaled League Appearance

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: Stats Current Through End of Season

At the end of the 2024 season, Alyssa Thomas's stats were current.

February 2, 2025: Trade to the Phoenix Mercury

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

2025: Inaugural Unrivaled Season

In 2025, Alyssa Thomas is set to play in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, the women's 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, playing for the Laces.