Phoenix Mercury star, Brittney Griner, has won the AP Comeback Player of the Year award. She earned the honour approximately nine months after her return to the United States from Russian detainment.
She will share the award with Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, who came back to Minnesota this season after sitting out last year to give birth to her first child.
The Mercury revealed the news of the award on Tuesday.
Griner, who is a 6-foot-9 centre, landed back on U.S. soil a couple of months after being arrested in February 2022.
Russian authorities arrested her for carrying hash oil in her luggage at an airport.
She was sentenced to nine years in prison but was eventually set free following a prisoner swap for arms dealer Viktor Bout.
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Upon her return to the hardwood, Griner signed a one-year deal with the Mercury and shined, averaging 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
However, she did face some lows during the season, battling injuries, and taking some time off for a mental health break.
She also had a run-in with a troll at an airport, which made headlines.
Despite the challenges, Griner was selected to her ninth WNBA All-Star team.
When reflecting on her season, she told media members, “I tell you one thing, it’s not good being at the end of the standings, but it’s better than where I was a year ago, that’s for sure.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Breanna Stewart won the AP Player Of The Year award, while Alysha Clark took home Sixth Woman of the Year.
Stephanie White, head coach of Sun, won Coach of the Year, and Aliyah Boston, the 2023 first overall pick, won Rookie of the Year.
It’s important to note that the AP awards are separate from the WNBA’s, and the latter will be announced during the organization’s postseason, which begins on Wednesday.
