Mery Andrade
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Mery Elizabeth Fernandes Andrade (born December 31, 1975) is a Portuguese professional basketball coach and former player, currently serving as an assistant coach for the Toronto Raptors in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born in Cape Verde and raised in
Portugal Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic, is a country on the Iberian Peninsula in Southwestern Europe. Featuring Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in continental Europe, Portugal borders Spain to its north and east, with which it share ...
, Andrade had a distinguished playing career before transitioning into coaching.


Playing Career

Andrade played for Old Dominion University from 1995 to 1999. During her tenure, she was instrumental in leading the Old Dominion Lady Monarchs to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the 1997 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship game. She earned multiple accolades, including: * Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Co-Player of the Year (1999) * Three-time CAA Defensive Player of the Year * Three-time All-CAA Selection * CAA All-Defensive Team Selection * Ranks fourth all-time in CAA history with 382 career steals In 2010, Old Dominion University retired her jersey number 23 in recognition of her contributions. WNBA Andrade was selected 23rd overall in the 1999 WNBA Draft by the Cleveland Rockers. She played five seasons in the league: * Cleveland Rockers (1999–2002): Contributed to multiple playoff appearances, including an Eastern Conference Finals run in 2000. * Charlotte Sting (2004): Played her final WNBA season in Charlotte.


International Career

Beyond the WNBA, Andrade had a prolific international playing career: * Portugal: Played for Quinta dos Lombos, winning both the League Championship and Cup Championship. * Italy: Played for teams including TermoCarispe La Spezia, Pool Comense (Italian Championship), Phard Napoli (FIBA Cup Champion), Umana Venezia (Italian Cup), Le Mura Lucca, and DIKE Napoli. * Italian League: Three-time All-Star in Italy. * Portuguese National Team: Represented Portugal for 19 years, solidifying her status as one of the country’s greatest basketball players.


Coaching Career

Following her playing career, Andrade transitioned into coaching, working at multiple levels of professional and international basketball. Assistant Coaching Experience * Toronto Raptors (NBA, 2023–Present): Currently an assistant coach under Darko Rajaković. * Boston Celtics (Summer League, 2023): Served as an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics' Summer League team. * Petro de Luanda (BAL, 2022): Assistant coach in the Basketball Africa League. * Birmingham Squadron (NBA G League, 2021–2023): Played a key role in player development, contributing to multiple playoff appearances. * Erie BayHawks (NBA G League, 2019–2021): Developed players and helped shape team success. Head Coaching Experience * Led a showcase team in 2021. * Head coach of Quinta dos Lombos Youth International Team (2013–2014).


Education

* Old Dominion University – Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Science * Coaching Certifications:   ** Italy: Coach certificate Level II ** Portugal: Coach certificate Level II ** Italy: Personal Trainer Certification in Health & Wellness


Old Dominion University statistics

Source


Languages

Andrade is fluent in English, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Criolo.


Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Andrade is actively involved in charitable activities, including cancer awareness campaigns, basketball clinics, and community outreach programs.


Awards and honors

* #23 Jersey Retired by Old Dominion University * CAA Co-Player of the Year (1999) * Three-time CAA Defensive Player of the Year * Three-time All-CAA Selection * Three-time CAA All-Defensive Team Selection * Ranks fourth all-time in CAA history with 382 career steals * Three-time Italian League All-Star * WNBA Eastern Conference Finals appearance (2000) * Two-time WNBA Playoffs participant


References


External links


Mery Andrade Basketball Player Profile, Sacres Mapei Napoli, ODU, News, Seria A1 stats, Career, Games Logs, Bets, Awards - eurobasket.comOld Dominion Athletics – Mery Andrade’s Jersey Retirement



Basketball Africa League – Petro de Luanda Coaching Staff
1975 births Living people Birmingham Squadron coaches Charlotte Sting players Cleveland Rockers players Erie BayHawks (2019–2021) coaches Old Dominion Monarchs women's basketball players Portuguese expatriate basketball people in the United States Portuguese sportspeople of Cape Verdean descent Portuguese women's basketball players Power forwards San Diego Toreros women's basketball coaches Small forwards Basketball players from Lisbon {{1970s-US-basketball-bio-stub