On paper, Monique Akoa Makani hasn't had the same caliber of season as her 2025 WNBA Draft classmates. On the other hand, the Phoenix Mercury rookie has unequivocally been a major producer for the three-time WNBA champions.

She has started all but one game, typically defended the opposing team's best perimeter player, and also been tasked with setting the table offensively.

Again, the statistics don't tell the full story. Sometimes, though, basketball is about the eye test, and the Cameroonian has passed it with flying colors.

Without further explanation, here's why Makani deserves to be mentioned on the All-WNBA rookie team.

Monique Akoa Makani fuels Mercury perimeter defense

All signs point to Alyssa Thomas being the team's defensive anchor. While she's been all that, there's stil

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