April 17, 2008

PHOENIX, Ariz. - After helping lead the team to a WNBA title, former George Mason women's basketball great Jen Derevjanik was re-signed to the Phoenix Mercury. Derevjanik, who starred for the Patriots from 2000-2004, signed a one-year deal to remain in Phoenix.

"Jen is really important to our backcourt and its stability, and we're really thrilled to keep her in Phoenix," said Mercury General Manager Ann Meyers Drysdale. "She's such a savvy player, and her two years of experience in our system is a great asset to the team. Two years ago when Kelly Miller went down with an injury, she really stepped up in eight starts for us"

Derevjanik, a four-year WNBA veteran, originally signed with Phoenix on June 1, 2006 and played in the remaining 31 games. In two seasons in Phoenix, the 5-10, 140-pound George Mason product has averaged 2.4 points and 1.7 assists per game.

One of three Mason alumni to win a professional sports title, Derevjanik started a school record 116 consecutive games and is among the top five all-time in Mason's history books in four categories, including third in both assists (469) and points (1,637). Derevjanik was also named to the 2004 Academic All-America Women's Basketball District III University Division First Team and went on to earn conference All-Academic accolades for her efforts in the classroom.

Derevjanik was named to the Colonial Athletic Association's All-Tournament Team and also received 2004 All-CAA First Team honors. Derevjanik was named CAA Player of the Week twice (Jan. 5 & Jan. 12) during the 2003-04 campaign and earned Hawk Classic MVP honors on Dec. 29. In addition, Derevjanik was featured in "Spotlight: A Player Worth Noting" section of USA Today (Jan. 7).

The Staten Island, N.Y., native is one of two Mason players to reach the WNBA, as Keri Chaconas played for the Washington Mystics during the 1998 season under former Mason head coach, Jim Lewis.