PHOENIX — At the start of the WNBA season, many fans had not heard of Jovana Nogic. One week in, Nogic’s name is now cemented in league history.
The Phoenix Mercury Serbian rookie has been on one of the hottest starts this year, delivering double-digit performances in three of her last four games. The scoring came with history Friday night against the Chicago Sky, providing another example of Phoenix’s growing reputation as one of the league’s premier international pipelines.
Against the Sky, Nogic scored a season-high 27 points, the most points scored in a single game by an undrafted rookie in WNBA history.
May 15, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (29) drives on Chicago Sky guard Gabriela Jaquez (11) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
But beyond the box score, the rookie has stepped into a larger offensive role with veterans Sami Whitcomb and Monique Akoa-Makani still unavailable. She has responded with confidence, pace and shot-making that immediately translated to the WNBA floor.
Her emergence also reinforces the Mercury’s roster-building philosophy, which has quietly shaped the franchise in recent years. While many teams rely heavily on draft position and established stars, Phoenix has continued investing in overseas scouting and player development.
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts talks with guard Jovana Nogic (29) during a game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on May 15, 2026. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Injuries and absences can expose a team’s depth quickly, especially with the short turnarounds Phoenix has faced early this season. Nogic’s play gives the Mercury another reliable scoring option while easing pressure on the backcourt rotation until key pieces return.
The path to her breakout has not been linear. Nogic spent limited time with the club during the preseason and even had to travel to Vancouver before joining the team in Las Vegas for its season opener. None of it appeared to slow her adjustment.
The WNBA may be new to her, but Nogic has played with the poise of a veteran while embracing the opportunity in front of her. The rookie credited her teammates for helping build her confidence and spoke about how much she has enjoyed the experience so far.
Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (29) makes a three pointer against the Sky during a game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on May 15, 2026. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
“I really just try to enjoy the moment, because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me,” Nogic said postgame, according to team media. “It’s not every day you get to play with a player like [Alyssa Thomas], so I’m really just happy to be on her team and share the court with her and with all the others.”
Phoenix didn’t simply discover a player capable of delivering one memorable night. The Mercury may have identified another foundational piece in a system increasingly built on international talent, versatility and depth.
Against Chicago, Nogic showed that the approach is already paying off.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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