Discover DeWanna Bonner’s remarkable journey as an American–Macedonian WNBA small forward. Learn about her college dominance, professional success across the WNBA and Europe, international play, and legacy as a dual national star.
🏀 Introduction: A Force on and off the Court
DeWanna Bonner, born August 21, 1987, in Fairfield, Alabama, has built an illustrious basketball career on both sides of the Atlantic. Standing at 6′4″, Bonner blends scoring prowess, defensive intensity, and leadership across 16+ professional seasons. A dual citizen of the U.S. and North Macedonia, her impact extends far beyond her athletic achievements (en.wikipedia.org, essentiallysports.com).
🎓 College Dominance at Auburn
At Auburn University (2005–2009), Bonner emerged as one of the school’s all-time greats:
- Secured 2,162 career points, becoming Auburn’s highest scorer (en.wikipedia.org, wsfa.com)
- Averaged 21.1 PPG and 8.5 RPG in her senior year
- Earned SEC Player of the Year (2009) and All-American honors (wnba.com)
- Had her No. 24 jersey retired in 2024—a rare honor at Auburn (wsfa.com)
Her dominance in college foreshadowed a powerful professional trajectory.
🌟 WNBA Career: Championships & All-Star Honors
Bonner was the 5th overall pick in the 2009 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury and won two championships during her rookie stint (2009, 2014) (current-affairs.org, en.wikipedia.org).
Career highlights:
- 6× WNBA All-Star (2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024) (en.wikipedia.org)
- 3× Sixth Woman of the Year (2009–2011), later making All-WNBA First Team in 2015, Second Team in 2020 (en.wikipedia.org)
- Traded to the Connecticut Sun in 2020; became a team leader and consistently scored 15 PPG in 2023 and 2024 (wnba.com)
She joined the Indiana Fever in 2025 but was waived midseason due to personal decisions (cbssports.com).
🌍 International Career & Macedonian Citizenship
Bonner’s basketball journey includes extensive overseas stints:
- Played for elite European clubs in Spain, Russia, Turkey, Czech Republic, Israel, Hungary, and China (current-affairs.org)
- Gained North Macedonian citizenship in 2018, allowing her to represent North Macedonia in competitions like FIBA EuroBasket qualifiers, averaging ~11 PPG and 9 RPG in qualifying games (fiba.basketball)
This international exposure enriched her playstyle and global resonance.
📊 All-Time Career Stats & Records
Bonner has etched her name in WNBA history with impressive stats:
- Over 7,400 career points, over 3,000 rebounds, and more than 500 steals (espn.com)
- Held franchise records in Connecticut for 20+ point games and led team scoring in numerous contests
- Known as one of the league’s most versatile forwards: tall, athletic, with a 7′+ wingspan (auburntigers.com)
🤱 Off-Court: Family, Leadership & Inspiration
Bonner’s impact transcends sports:
- Balanced pro basketball with motherhood; gave birth to twins in 2017 and returned as an AP Comeback Player of the Year (2018)
- Married fellow WNBA star Candice Dupree in 2014; later engaged to teammate Alyssa Thomas (en.wikipedia.org)
- Celebrated for mentoring younger teammates, earning respect as a “mama bear” and locker-room leader
Her off-court leadership is as impactful as her on-court performance.
📌 Latest Developments: Fever Stint & Free Agency
In February 2025, Bonner signed with the Indiana Fever. She debuted strong—becoming the third all-time leading scorer in WNBA history—but was waived in June 2025 due to lack of fit and personal reasons (en.wikipedia.org).
She’s now a free agent—likely to seek a new team where her veteran experience and scoring can elevate a roster. Phoenix and Atlanta have been mentioned as potential landing spots .
🔍 Why DeWanna Bonner Matters
DeWanna Bonner’s legacy is defined by:
- Scoring excellence: Auburn’s top scorer and WNBA’s elite forward
- Durability and longevity: 16+ pro seasons, championships, All-Star honors
- Versatility: Excelled in multiple positions, leagues, and national teams
- Leadership: A trusted mentor and voice both on and off the court
She’s a role model for athletes juggling family, identity, and elite sports.
🏁 Conclusion
DeWanna Bonner is much more than a WNBA small forward. She’s a trailblazer—an American–Macedonian star, elite scorer, devoted parent, and respected leader. As she explores her next chapter, her blend of talent, experience, and character promises to enrich any team she joins.
SEO Keywords:
DeWanna Bonner, DeWanna Bonner WNBA, American Macedonian basketball, WNBA small forward, Auburn Bonner jersey retired, Bonner Macedonian national team, DeWanna Bonner free agent 2025, DeWanna Bonner stats, WNBA veterans, DeWanna Bonner family.
Would you like a graphic timeline of her career or a social media teaser version?