Brittney Yevette Griner is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Mercury of the Women’s National Basketball Association currently imprisoned in Russia.
In her debut on May 27, 2013 against Chicago Sky, Griner equaled the WNBA dunk record, recording two dunks to equal Candace Parker ‘s career total.
She led Baylor to a National title during the same season that legendary coach Pat Summitt stepped down due to her ongoing battle with dementia.
Awards
Best Female College Athlete ESPY Award, Best Female Athlete ESPY Award & Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year
Brittney Griner is a prominent American basketball player who has made a significant impact both on and off the court.
Here are some unique facts about her:
1. Dominance in College Basketball
- Griner played college basketball at Baylor University, where she became one of the most dominant players in NCAA history. She scored over 3,000 career points, grabbed over 1,200 rebounds, and blocked a record 748 shots, the most in NCAA women’s basketball history.
- During her time at Baylor, she led the team to a 40-0 undefeated season and a national championship in 2012, earning the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award.
2. WNBA Achievements
- Griner was the first overall pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft, selected by the Phoenix Mercury. She made an immediate impact in the league, becoming a perennial All-Star and a dominant defensive presence.
- She is one of the few players in WNBA history to dunk in a game, and she holds the record for the most dunks in WNBA history.
3. International Success
- Brittney has also had a successful international career, playing for teams in Russia and China during the WNBA off-seasons. Her performances overseas have helped her develop further as a player and gain recognition on the global stage.
- She has won multiple EuroLeague titles with the Russian club UMMC Ekaterinburg, showcasing her versatility and skills in international competitions.
4. Olympic and World Cup Champion
- Griner has been a key member of Team USA’s women’s basketball team, winning gold medals at both the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Her defensive prowess and scoring ability have made her an integral part of the national team’s success.
- She also won gold medals in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in 2014 and 2018, further cementing her status as one of the world’s top basketball players.
5. Advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights
- Griner is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, having come out as gay in 2013. She uses her platform to speak about her experiences and support others in the LGBTQ+ community.
- She became one of the first openly gay athletes to sign an endorsement deal with Nike, marking a significant moment in sports and LGBTQ+ representation.
6. Memoir and Personal Struggles
- Brittney authored a memoir titled “In My Skin: My Life On and Off the Basketball Court,” where she shares her journey, including challenges she faced with bullying, self-acceptance, and navigating her sexuality.
- The memoir also touches on personal struggles, including her experiences with domestic violence and legal issues, shedding light on the obstacles she has overcome.
7. Height and Physical Presence
- Standing at 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm), Griner is one of the tallest players in the WNBA, which gives her a significant advantage on the court, particularly in shot-blocking and rebounding.
- Her wingspan of 7 feet 4 inches (224 cm) allows her to be an effective shot-blocker, leading the WNBA in blocks multiple times throughout her career.
8. Notable Dunking Ability
- Griner’s ability to dunk is rare in women’s basketball, and she made history by becoming the first player to dunk twice in a WNBA game during her rookie season.
- She also became the third player in WNBA history to dunk in an All-Star Game, highlighting her unique skill set and athleticism.
9. Wrongful Detention in Russia
- In 2022, Griner was detained in Russia on drug charges and subsequently sentenced to nine years in prison, sparking international outcry and efforts for her release.
- After nearly ten months of detention, she was released in a prisoner exchange, becoming a symbol of resilience and drawing attention to issues surrounding wrongful detentions and international diplomacy.
10. Off-Court Interests and Talents
- Outside of basketball, Griner is passionate about art and often uses drawing as a way to relax and express herself. She has shared some of her artwork with fans on social media.
- She is also known for her love of motorcycles and enjoys riding them in her free time, a hobby that contrasts with her life as a professional athlete.
Brittney Griner’s career and life story are marked by groundbreaking achievements, resilience, and advocacy, making her an inspiring figure in sports and beyond.
