The Phoenix Mercury's 2022 season was a testament to their ability to find hidden gems, even without any draft picks. One such gem was Lexi Held, who, despite going undrafted, made a significant impact on the team. Held's journey to the WNBA began internationally, but her college years at DePaul University were equally impressive.
During her four years at DePaul, Held averaged an impressive 13.0 points, 3.2 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. Her third year was her breakout year, averaging a remarkable 16.6 points. Held's college career started in the 2018-19 season, where she averaged 8.3 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 rebounds in her freshman year. Her debut against Green Bay, though without any points, was a promising start.
However, it was in her sixth game that Held truly shone. She scored 28 points in a 124-61 victory over Savannah State, along with three steals, two rebounds, and two assists. This performance showcased her ability to be a game-changer. In the following games, Held continued to make her presence felt, knocking down 3-pointers and contributing to DePaul's wins against UConn and Temple.
After a slight dip in her scoring against Northwestern, Held went on a scoring spree, racking up 10 or more points in the next five games. She had 17 points against Oklahoma and continued her stellar form against Tennessee State, Loyola Chicago, Creighton, and Providence. Her consistency and ability to step up in crucial moments were notable.
Held's performance against Seton Hall, where she scored 28 points, two assists, and two rebounds, further solidified her place in the team's lineup. Her shooting prowess and all-around game made her a valuable asset. A few years later, Held's talent was on full display at the professional level, proving that her college success was no fluke.
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