Noémie Brochant wins through defense at the Mercury

The Mercury has had a complicated start to the season with four victories and eleven defeats. Among the rare satisfactions is the start of the WNBA career of Noémie Brochant. Logically placed off the bench for her first matches, she quickly acquired a starting place.

To win, the Frenchwoman can count on her outdoor skill, where she is close to 40% 3-point success this season, but also on her defensive activity. Standing at 80 meters tall, the winger can defend against the opposition’s best outside opponents.

“His defensive presence is really good. We’re able to ‘switch’ and do a lot of different things with her on the pitch.”rejoices his teammate Kahleah Copper. “She really helps our defense. Offensively, she can shoot and she makes the right decisions. HAS”

However, Noémie Brochant’s impact on this side of the field is difficult to measure at the moment. The Mercury have the fifth-worst defense in the WNBA with 108.7 points conceded per 100 possessions. A disappointing assessment which does not prevent Nate Tibbettsthe Phoenix coach, to be complimentary about the Frenchwoman.

“Noémie has really good size and she moves well. She knows how to defend on pick-and-rolls, she understands how to track opposing shooters.”lists the Mercury tactician. “I’m really excited about his defensive potential. The more experienced players see her potential and how hard she fights. When you do that, you get their respect. HAS”

The desire to prove

If Kahleah Copper and Nate Tibbetts are impressed by Noémie Brochant’s defense, the main player does not yet consider herself an excellent defender.

“I don’t think I’m a very, very good defenderâ€she recognizes. “I know I have to prove myself. When you get here, you’re nobody and you have to prove it. This is why I defend. HAS”

Offensively, Noémie Brochant is increasingly finding her place in Nate Tibbetts’ system. Arriving as a good 3-point shooter, she also has more of the ball in hand, particularly when playing pick-and-rolls.

“I didn’t play a lot of pick-and-rolls in France, but I was already doing more than here at the moment,” admits the winger. “I know I need to improve in this area, but I’m glad I’m not just a shooter here. HAS”