Jillian Alleyne heard her name called on April 14 during the 2016 WNBA Draft.
She reacted in pure disbelief.
Alleyne went 20th overall to the Phoenix Mercury, becoming the highest-picked Oregon player in WNBA Draft history. Former Oregon center Jenny Mowe went 21st overall to Portland in 2001.
“Being drafted is something I’ve dreamt about ever since I was a little girl,” Alleyne said. “To be called 20th in the second round – that’s huge. Especially given the situation I’m in. I’m excited about the Mercury. It’s close to home.”
The Fontana, California, native had a prolific career in Eugene. She tallied 92 double-doubles and ranks No. 3 in NCAA history with 1,712 rebounds. Earlier this season, Alleyne became the 10th player in NCAA history to reach 2,000 career points and 1,500 career rebounds. Alleyne, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury on Feb. 23, averaged 14.3 rebounds a game during her time at Oregon.
Alleyne’s selection came just moments after a few Pac-12 players heard their names. Oregon State’s Jamie Weisner (Connecticut Sun, No. 17) and Ruth Hamblin (Dallas Wings, No. 18) went just before Alleyne.
“My heart was pounding,” Alleyne said. “I was like ‘Oh my gosh. Is someone going to take me?’ I was so nervous. A team like the Phoenix Mercury, who I’ve watched over the years – they’re exceptional. They’re like the UConn of the WNBA. I’m excited to learn from greats like Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner. It’ll definitely help me in rehab. I’m going to a team that demands excellence.”
Alleyne spent the evening watching with both former and current teammates, coaches and classmates at Oregon coach Kelly Graves’ house.

Here was the reaction from Jillian Alleyne’s WNBA watch party – pic.twitter.com/H2FbanOd75
— Jonathan Hawthorne (@Jon_Hawthorne) April 15, 2016

Phoenix Mercury general manager Jim Pitman said he saw Alleyne as “first-round” talent.
“To have her still available at No. 20 was a big win for us,” Pitman said.
The Mercury finished last season with a 20-14 record and second in the Western conference. The team won the WNBA Championship in 2014.
Pitman said he expects Alleyne will finish out her rehab process at Oregon. She will attend a portion of the Mercury’s training camp before the season starts, so that she “feels like family.” Pitman said Alleyne isn’t permitted to sign a contract while injured.
“Her career at Oregon speaks for itself,” Pitman said. “She was a great rebounder, a good interior defender … Just because she had a little setback for a few months doesn’t mean she won’t make a good WNBA player for many years.”
Connecticut’s Breanna Stewart went first overall to the Seattle Storm. The WNBA season kicks off on May 14.
“I’m in a great position to go to a great team,” Alleyne said. “I’m so grateful for my time here at Oregon because it’s put me in the place that I’m in right now.”
Follow Jonathan Hawthorne on Twitter @Jon_Hawthorne