Indiana Pacers spark‑plug T.J. McConnell has been delivering clutch steals in the NBA Finals series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Some fans might not realize there’s another McConnell making waves in the WNBA. Fresh off a record‑setting career at Duquesne University, the 23‑year‑old guard, Megan McConnell, signed a new deal with the Phoenix Mercury early this June.
As McConnell battles in the NBA Finals and aims to win the title with the Indiana Pacers, Megan is carving out her journey with the Mercury, proving that this sibling duo’s success runs deeper than genetics.
T.J. McConnell’s Sister Megan’s WNBA Journey From Duquesne
Born in November 2001 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Megan was raised in a household where basketball was both a profession and a passion. Megan and T.J.’s father, Tim McConnell, built a storied coaching career at Chartiers Valley High School.
Though the McConnell name opened doors, Megan earned her way on the court with tenacity and skill. Her five‑year tenure at Duquesne was nothing short of historic. Duquesne’s official website and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette have chronicled her journey extensively.
The 5’7″ guard concluded her college career as the program’s all‑time leader in assists (660) and steals (370), while ranking second in scoring (1,795 points) and rebounding (1,079 boards). She played 144 games, 136 career starts, and grabbed four triple‑doubles, setting a school record – an uncommon feat in women’s college basketball.
Another chapter to the McConnell family story. It just keeps going.
Last night, T.J. McConnell and the Indiana Pacers earned a spot in the NBA Finals.
This morning, T.J.’s sister, Megan, signed with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury. pic.twitter.com/ojfamE41dU
— Mike White (@mwhiteburgh) June 2, 2025
Meanwhile, their aunt, Suzie McConnell‑Serio, captured Olympic gold and a WNBA title before earning a spot in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Safe to say that Megan entering the WNBA world on her own accord was inevitable.
Despite her decorated résumé, Megan went undrafted in the 2025 WNBA draft. She inked a rest-of-season deal with the Phoenix Mercury, including WNBA stalwarts like Alyssa Thomas. Previously, Megan had signed a training-camp deal with the Mercury but got waived in mid-May 2025.
Phoenix Mercury have signed Megan McConnell, the younger sister of Indiana Pacers guard TJ McConnell
McConnell, 23, went undrafted in the 2025 WNBA Draft & went to training camp with Phoenix.
McConnell at Duquesne: 18.4 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 5.0 APG, 4.1 SPG, 47 FG%
Megan’s a… pic.twitter.com/UmaVwRHV7c
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) June 3, 2025
In her first WNBA appearance on June 3 against the Minnesota Lynx, Megan checked in and delivered three points, three assists, and a lone steal in 13 minutes off the bench. Tragically, late in the fourth quarter, she suffered a knee injury that forced her off the floor. Phoenix listed her status as “out” for the following game, but staff remain optimistic about her recovery trajectory.
With T.J. assisting in the Pacers’ Finals run, he averaged 9.1 points and 4.4 assists throughout his 79 appearances during the 2024-25 season. Meanwhile, the Mercury hopes for Megan’s fast recovery and return to the hardwood. As the Pacers chase their first NBA championship, the Phoenix Mercury navigate a banged‑up backcourt.
MORE: Phoenix Mercury 2025 Roster Names and Depth Charts, Including Kahleah Copper
Looking ahead to Sunday’s winner‑take‑all showdown of the NBA Finals series in Oklahoma, the Indiana Pacers will lean on their signature resilience and win against the Oklahoma City Thunder. This is the first NBA Finals Game 7 since 2016, and Carlisle’s underdogs aim to rewrite history with the 2024-25 season.
