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Auburn women's basketball to retire DeWanna Bonner's jersey

<p>DeWanna Bonner of the Phoenix Mercury runs out onto the court on July 5, 2018, in Phoenix, Arizona.</p>

DeWanna Bonner of the Phoenix Mercury runs out onto the court on July 5, 2018, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Former Auburn women's basketball standout DeWanna Bonner, the all-time leading scorer for the Tigers, is set to receive a prestigious honor as her No. 24 jersey will be raised to the rafters at Neville Arena during the Auburn versus Alabama game on Sunday, Jan. 21. 

Bonner, the 2009 SEC Player of the Year, concluded her time at Auburn with 2,162 points, securing the top position in the Tigers' record books. Additionally, her achievements include being a three-time All-SEC First Team selection, an All-Defensive Team pick in 2009 and the fifth overall pick in the 2009 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury.



Throughout her 14-year WNBA tenure, Bonner has continued to leave an indelible mark, ranking sixth all-time in scoring with 6,881 career points by the end of the 2023 season. Her WNBA journey includes 10th place in career rebounds, third in free throws made, 13th in steals, and 10th in career games played. 

With five WNBA All-Star appearances, two All-WNBA selections, three Sixth Woman of the Year honors, and two WNBA championships with Phoenix in 2009 and 2014, Bonner's legacy is firmly etched in women’s basketball history.

After a decade with the Mercury, Bonner continued to make waves by joining the Connecticut Sun in 2020. Her leadership and drive were evident as she played a crucial role in the Sun's deep playoff runs during her time in Connecticut.

This recognition is part of Alumni Weekend, commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Tigers' 2009 SEC Championship, where Bonner will reunite with her senior-year teammates. Bonner is the fifth women's basketball player to have her jersey retired by Auburn: adding her name to a distinguished list of Auburn legends, including Carolyn Jones (No. 21), Ruthie Bolton (No. 25), Becky Jackson (No. 34) and Vickie Orr (No. 50).


Patrick Bingham | Sports Writer

Patrick is a sophomore from Auburn, Alabama, double majoring in journalism and marketing. He started with The Plainsman in fall 2022.


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