Candice Dupree's college brilliance was a crystal ball, foreshadowing her WNBA dominance! While many remember her as a cornerstone of the Phoenix Mercury, her journey to becoming a league legend began long before she donned that iconic jersey.
After being selected by the Chicago Sky in 2006, Candice Dupree eventually found her way to the Phoenix Mercury through a trade that sent Cappie Pondexter to Chicago. This move proved to be a pivotal moment for the Mercury, as Dupree quickly ascended to become one of their most vital players. Her impact was undeniable, culminating in a championship victory in 2014. That championship season saw her averaging an impressive 14.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists over 34 games, starting every single one. Even after a significant knee injury two years prior, Dupree demonstrated remarkable resilience, returning to her high-level performance and proving her status as one of the league's most durable and impactful forwards.
But here's where it gets truly fascinating: Dupree's WNBA success wasn't a sudden revelation; it was a natural progression from her stellar collegiate career at Temple University. Her time there was a remarkable preview of the skills that would later define her professional career. During her college years, she consistently put up outstanding numbers, averaging 15.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, 1.7 steals, and 1.5 assists per game. Her senior year, in particular, was a masterclass, with averages of 17.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 2.1 assists, and 1.6 steals. These numbers paint a clear picture of a player already operating at an elite level.
And this is the part most people miss: Dupree's collegiate debut was nothing short of spectacular. In her very first game for Temple, she achieved a double-double, showcasing her prowess on the boards with 17 rebounds and adding 15 points to the scoreboard. Her defensive presence was also evident with six blocks and a steal in a 78-71 victory over Pennsylvania. She continued this strong start in her second game, contributing 12 points and five steals in another win. Throughout her freshman season, she consistently delivered strong performances, even in losses, demonstrating her unwavering competitiveness. For instance, in a game where Temple lost to Kansas State 72-65, Dupree still managed seven points, and in another close loss to Boston College (69-62), she exploded for 23 points, seven rebounds, an assist, and a block. These early flashes of brilliance at Temple were clear indicators of the WNBA star she was destined to become.
Her college years were a powerful testament to her talent and dedication, laying the groundwork for the unforgettable WNBA journey that followed. It makes you wonder, how much of a player's future success can truly be predicted by their college performance? Do you think her early college dominance made her inevitable success in the WNBA? Let us know your thoughts below!
