How vital Mercury’s undrafted rookie has earned rave reviews from Alyssa Thomas, Nate Tibbetts

PHOENIX– When people think of historical marks within the Phoenix Mercury, they often resort to Alyssa Thomas or even head coach Nate Tibbetts. However, there’s one undrafted rookie that has been the talk of the town: Jovana Nogić.

After being a training camp invite, she quickly stood out as an elite shooter and became another player who can seamlessly fit next to Thomas.

The two players competed against each other overseas and are now teammates. The latter is more than familiar with her game, but to everyone else, this came as a surprise.

Nogić became the first Mercury rookie with 25+ points and five 3-point shots since Diana Taurasi did in 2004. The 28-year-old rookie might not be a “rookie” to other people, but she is in WNBA terms.

That overseas experience certainly helped her get acclimated to Phoenix. Her immediate production, though, wasn’t expected. Even Tibbetts didn’t think this would happen. All he wanted was for her to get comfortable, and she’s since run with it.

Once Sami Whitcomb was ruled out to begin the season, and Monique Akoa Makani finished her season overseas, that’s all the opportunity she needed.

Tibbetts joked that he’s never seen anyone smile when they shoot a 3-pointer besides Nogić. On the flip side, Thomas wasn’t shocked.

The Serbian isn’t surprised either, but credits the immediate trust from top to bottom.

“For a shooter, it means everything. Having the confidence to shoot because you’re overthinking it, it’s halfway to a miss, or at least that’s how I think it,” Nogicć explained postgame.

“When your coach gives you confidence to shoot and has the freedom to shoot it, it makes your job a lot easier as a shooter.”

Jovana Nogić is the Mercury’s blueprint

The main goal was for the Mercury to surround Thomas and Kahleah Copper with quality role players. The latter definition is subjective, as players like Nogić seem to be more than role players.

In her three starts, she’s posted at least 16 points and at least four 3-pointers. Not to mention, she is shooting 13-for-18 from deep during this stretch.

Again, so much of her success stems from trust, and it’s something Tibbetts has plenty of in his sharpshooter.

“She’s an elite-level shooter. She has fun while she’s doing it. I haven’t seen a lot of people smile while they’re shooting, but I think she’s one of them,” Tibbetts said, chuckling postgame. “As long as she’s smiling and it’s going in, that’s a good look for us.”

Moments after, Nogić and Thomas stepped into the press conference room. When asked about her head coach’s remarks, she was shocked, while Thomas immediately laughed.

A few minutes later, the 2025 MVP frontrunner pointed out where she thought credit was due.

“I think it’s players like this that get overlooked and missed,” she said. “I think she’s been doing amazing things overseas. So, just super happy for her to have this opportunity.

“She’s more than ready, and that’s what’s great about Phoenix. They go find players that have talent, that have been overlooked, and bring them here.“

Alyssa Thomas wasn’t surprised telling @CydHenderson about Jovana Nogić’s production so far this season.

“I think it’s players like this that get overlooked and missed. I think she’s been doing amazing things overseas. So, just super happy for her to have this opportunity. She’s… pic.twitter.com/9rJ7l6ufwR

— Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) May 16, 2026

Nogić is yet another example of a diamond in the rough. The Mercury knew she wasn’t in the rough. The numbers and anecdotal evidence from players were part of the equation, but her production makes the chance look like less of a chance, and a calculated decision to land one of the top shooters early in the season.

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