Phoenix's Third-Round Pick Tauja Catchings Shines In College

The Phoenix Mercury did not have a first-round pick in 2000, but they still added some talent. They had a second-round pick, and they drafted Adrian Williams-Strong . Williams-Strong became an All-Star, as she had a great 2003 season. Phoenix had a third-round pick, and they drafted Tauja Catchings. Then, they added Shantia Owens, and she spent some time with the Miami Sol and the Charlotte Sting. Catchings did not play in the WNBA, but during her college years, she showcased her skills. In her final season, Catchings averaged 15.4 points, eight rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals. She attended Illinois, and in that year's National Tournament, she and her teammates faced Utah in the first round. Illinois was victorious in that game, as the team picked up a 73-58 win. Catchings contributed in different ways, as she finished the game with seven rebounds. She also had five points, three assists, three blocks and a steal. Illinois did have some players who scored 10 or more points, as Allison Curtin had 22 poin