Posts by Jesse Morrison

Jesse Morrison covers the Phoenix Mercury for The Next. A native of Roanoke, Va., Jesse moved to Arizona in 2017 to attend the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, graduating in 2021 with a degree in sports journalism. Outside of The Next, Jesse works for Arizona Sports, co-hosting an Arizona State podcast, producing a radio show and writing for their website.

Nikki Blue coaches during a Phoenix Mercury at Washington Mystics game on July 23, 2023.

Nikki Blue in the running for permanent Phoenix Mercury head coach

September 24, 2023

“This is the place that I feel like I deserve to be a head coach.”

Nikki Blue on the sidelines as the Phoenix Mercury take on the Washington Mystics on July 23, 2023.

What went wrong for the Phoenix Mercury in 2023

September 17, 2023

‘It was extremely frustrating, at times impossible’

Phoenix Mercury combo guard Diana Taurasi holds the ball above her head as she attempts a short fadeaway jumper off of leg, while Minnesota Lynx center Sylvia Fowles stands in front of her with one arm straight up and one arm out towards the ball to contest the shot

Diana Taurasi returning for 20th season with Phoenix Mercury

September 12, 2023

‘She has no choice. I told her she can’t retire until I retire’

Phoenix Mercury combo guard Skylar Diggins-Smith holds her jumper form while looking offscreen towards the hoop. Washington Mystics big Myisha Hines-Allen stands right in front of her with an arm up in front while also looking in that direction.

Still no definitive end to Skylar Diggins-Smith saga with Phoenix Mercury

September 12, 2023

Taurasi: ‘Next question’

Fuego hangs out in the Phoenix Mercury Courtyard ahead of the team's game against the Washington Mystics on Sept. 5, 2023.

How new Phoenix Mercury mascot Fuego heats up Footprint Center

September 9, 2023

‘By the way, his eyes can fly off’

Phoenix forward Michaela Onyenwere of the Phoenix Mercury brings the ball up the court in Mercury white jerseys.

Michaela Onyenwere regaining groove this season with Phoenix Mercury

August 21, 2023

‘I’ve seen her grow the most from her 3-point shooting. And expanding her game and being able to be an inside player and an outside player’, Blue said

The Phoenix Mercury huddle before tip-off.

Why are the Phoenix Mercury so much better at home than on the road?

August 12, 2023

The Mercury are 8-7 at the Footprint Center but 1-13 on the road

Phoenix Mercury point guard Shey Peddy has the ball out to her side as she drives from the slot to the hoop, while keeping Washington Mystics point guard Natasha Cloud on her hip, who has an arm up to contest a possible

Shey Peddy avoids major injury after frightening scene

August 6, 2023

‘The good thing is that she’s on her way home’

A shot of Phoenix Mercury combo guard Diana Taurasi from behind, holding her arms out and up in celebration, as in the background a ball drops through the net

Diana Taurasi’s competitiveness keeps her going as she passes 10,000 career points

August 5, 2023

‘Every morning I wake up wanting to play basketball’

Phoenix Mercury guard Skylar Diggins-Smith prepares to jump in the air for a right-handed layup.

Skylar Diggins-Smith claims Phoenix Mercury restricting access to facilities on maternity leave

August 3, 2023

Interim head coach Nikki Blue sidesteps question pregame