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Mery Andrade

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Mery Andrade
Toronto Raptors
PositionAssistant Coach
LeagueNBA
Personal information
Born (1975-12-31) December 31, 1975 (age 49)
Cape Verde
NationalityPortuguese
Listed height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Listed weight169 lb (77 kg)
Career information
CollegeOld Dominion (1995–1999)
WNBA draft1999: 2nd round, 23rd overall pick
Drafted byCleveland Rockers
Playing career1999–2015
PositionForward
Number10, 23
Career history
As a player:
1999–2002Cleveland Rockers
2004Charlotte Sting
As a coach:
2015–2019San Diego (assistant)
2019–2022Erie BayHawks / Birmingham Squadron (assistant)
2022Petro de Luanda (assistant)
2023–presentToronto Raptors (assistant)
Stats at Basketball Reference

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, Andrade had a distinguished playing career before transitioning into coaching.

Playing Career

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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

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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

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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. [1]
  • 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. [2]

Head Coaching Experience

  • Led a showcase team in 2021.
  • Head coach of Quinta dos Lombos Youth International Team (2013–2014).

Education

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  • 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

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Source[3]

Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high
Year Team GP Points FG% FT% RPG APG BPG PPG
1995-96 Old Dominion University 32 352 51.7% 70.8% 4.8 2.7 0.7 11.0
1996-97 Old Dominion University 36 407 44.8% 73.4% 6.3 3.6 0.4 11.3
1997-98 Old Dominion University 32 455 48.4% 72.8% 6.8 3.5 0.3 14.2
1998-99 Old Dominion University 32 408 45.0% 78.4% 6.8 3.7 0.9 12.8
Career 132 1622 47.2% 74.0% 6.2 3.4 0.6 12.3

Languages

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

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

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

Awards and honors

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  • #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

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  1. ^ Star, Chelsea Leite, Special to the (2024-01-14). "She's a basketball legend in Portugal. Now assistant coach Mery Andrade is an important part of the Raptors' future". Toronto Star. Retrieved 2025-02-25.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ "Mery Andrade, identified as 'big-time coaching talent' by New Orleans Pelicans, proved her worth with Erie Bayhawks this season". www.thebirdwrites.com. Archived from the original on 2021-10-12. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  3. ^ "ODU Media Guide" (PDF). odusports.com/. Retrieved 2017-08-28.
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