Former UCF Knights player Tali Phillips holds the unique distinction of being the only player from the school to have played in the WNBA. After spending the first three seasons of his college career with the Georgia Bulldogs, Phillips transferred to UCF for the 1990-91 season, where he made a significant impact by averaging 25.3 points and 12.4 rebounds per game, leading the TAAC in both categories, along with contributing two blocks and one steal per game.
Although the WNBA started in 1997, Phillips initially played in the American Basketball League (ABL) from 1996 to 1998 with teams like the Seattle Reign and Colorado Explosion, earning All-Star honors in 1997 and 1998. His WNBA journey began in 1999 when he was drafted eighth overall by the Orlando Miracle, his hometown team. However, his rookie season was challenging, with averages of 4.1 points and 2.1 rebounds in 32 games without any starts.
Phillips’ career blossomed after moving to the New York Liberty in 2000. He made a dramatic improvement, averaging 13.8 points and 8 rebounds per game, earning All-Star status and the league’s first-ever Most Improved Player award. He became a regular starter and helped lead the Liberty to the 2000 WNBA Finals, though they fell to the Houston Comets. Phillips continued his strong performance in 2001 and 2002, including another All-Star selection and an All-WNBA second team honor, guiding the Liberty to a second Finals appearance in 2002, where they lost to the Los Angeles Sparks.
From 2000 to 2002, Phillips consistently ranked in the top 10 for WNBA MVP voting. She appeared in her fourth straight All-Star game in 2003 before concluding her Liberty tenure in 2004, playing only 13 games that season. Over her time with New York, she appeared in 141 games and posted career averages of 13 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.
Phillips spent her final three seasons in Houston with the Comets but never matched her earlier success, averaging no more than four points per game. She retired in 2007 after being waived by the Comets. In August 2025, Phillips was honored by the Liberty with an induction into the team’s Ring of Honor, a moment marked by deep emotion and recognition of her leadership in two Finals runs.
Note: Emma Cannon also played at UCF and currently competes for the Los Angeles Sparks after transferring to Florida Southern during her final college season in 2010-11.
Fan Take: Phillips’ journey from college standout to WNBA trailblazer highlights the growth and evolving talent in women’s basketball, inspiring future generations. Her legacy reminds WNBA fans of the importance of perseverance and dedication, pivotal qualities that continue to elevate the sport’s prominence.
