Indiana Pacers spark-plug T.J. McConnell has been delivering clutch steals and assists throughout 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, 23-year-old guard Megan McConnell signed a rest-of-season deal with the Phoenix Mercury in early June.
As T.J. 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 with 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 signed a training camp deal with the Phoenix Mercury but was waived in mid-May 2025. However, the Mercury brought her back, signing her to a rest-of-season contract on June 3.
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 WNBA debut on June 3 against the Minnesota Lynx, Megan checked in and delivered three points, three assists, and one 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 as out for 3-4 weeks, though team officials remain optimistic about her recovery trajectory.
With T.J. playing a crucial role in the Pacers’ Finals run, he averaged 9.1 points and 4.4 assists throughout his 79 appearances during the 2024-25 regular season. Meanwhile, the Mercury hopes for Megan’s fast recovery and return to the hardwood.
The Phoenix roster features WNBA stalwarts like Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally, creating a competitive environment for the rookie
