Phoenix Mercury signs Australian center Cayla George

The Phoenix Mercury signed Australian center Cayla George (formerly Cayla Francis). George debuted with the Mercury in 2015 but did not play in 2016 in order to train for the Rio Games with the Australian National Team.

“Cayla was an important part of our 20-win team in 2015 and we are excited to have her back in Phoenix,” said Mercury general manager Jim Pitman. “She’s a 6-foot-4 center with three-point range who spreads the floor on offense and can rebound and protect the paint on defense. She’s an Olympian, a very positive presence in the locker room, and we look forward to her playing a big role for us this season.”

As a WNBA rookie in 2015, George appeared in all 34 games for the Mercury, averaging 5.0 points and 3.1 rebounds in a reserve role. George currently plays overseas in Hungary for Uniqa Sopron, where she ranks third on the team in scoring (11.8 ppg) and second in rebounding (6.5 rpg) through eight games in EuroLeague play. The 27-year-old began her professional career in 2007 in Australia’s WNBL.