INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Fever's point-guard, Erica Wheeler, took away the Most Valuable Player award at the 2019 WNBA All-Star game, while also being the first undrafted player to do so.
In a moving interview that quickly erupted on social media with journalist Holly Rowe, Wheeler said:
Just never give up, man. Just never give up. No matter what nobody tells you — just keep moving. And I use my mom as motivation, I lost her when I was in college to cancer, so I just keep moving because I know she's watching me more than ever. So, this one is really for you mom.
Wheeler entered her first WNBA All-Star game at the 4:18 mark in the first quarter and quickly garnished six consecutive three-pointers to highlight the first half of the game. The point-guard ended the game with 25 points, seven assists, and four rebounds.
Wheeler also surpassed Tamika Catchings Fever scoring record (Madison Square Garden in 2005) in an All-Star game.
Indianapolis is proud to be home to record breakers and history makers. @EWeezy_For3eezy, on behalf of all of us here in Indy, we are so grateful to have your tireless spirit and incredible talent representing @IndianaFever. Congratulations on being named #WNBAAllStar MVP! https://t.co/RkcDPBn2VJ
— Mayor Joe Hogsett (@IndyMayorJoe) July 27, 2019
Wheeler's teammate, forward Candice Dupree also played in the 2019 AT&T all-star game, to help grab the win for Team Wilson. Team Wilson was drafted by All-Star captain of the Las Vegas Aces, A'ja Wilson, who picked up Wheeler, Dupree, Sylvia Fowles with Minnesota, Diamond DeShields with Chicago, Allie Quigley with Chicago, and Odyssey Sims with Minnesota.
Team Wilson took on Team Donne, with players like Phoenix's Brittney Griner and Jewell Loyd with Seattle.
The 2019 WNBA All-Star Team Selection Special did not disappoint with the likes of Los Angeles great, Kobe Bryant, in attendance with his daughter and Griner made multiple dunks.
The Black Mamba is in building 🏀🔥 @kobebryant and daughter Gigi sitting courtside at the @ATT #WNBAAllStar game
Tune in, 3:30 PM ET on ABC pic.twitter.com/yme1z2TOd1
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 27, 2019
Indiana takes on the Atlanta Dream on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
