Asia Coates: A Professional Basketball Career Journey
Asia Coates has navigated a dynamic professional basketball career, characterized by her versatility and resilience across multiple leagues. From being a top draft pick in the WNBA to competing in elite international competitions, Coates has brought her talent to various franchises and countries, adapting to different styles of play and team dynamics.
Key Facts
- Draft Position: Selected 2nd overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2017 WNBA draft.
- WNBA Teams: Played for the Chicago Sky, Minnesota Lynx, Atlanta Dream, Washington Mystics, Indiana Fever, Phoenix Mercury, and Las Vegas Aces.
- International Experience: Competed in China, Turkey, and Italy.
- Career Debut: May 19, 2018, against the Indiana Fever.
WNBA Career Path
The Chicago Sky Era
Following her senior season, Coates entered the professional ranks as a high-profile prospect, drafted second overall by the Chicago Sky in 2017. Her start was delayed due to ankle surgery, which caused her to miss the entirety of the 2017 season. After officially signing in February 2018, she made her debut on May 19, 2018, contributing 5 points in a victory over the Indiana Fever.
Coates reached a personal milestone on July 3, 2018, when she recorded her first double-digit scoring game with 10 points against the Dallas Wings. Despite her efforts, the Sky finished the season with a 13–21 record and did not qualify for the playoffs.
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Transitions and Team Changes
The following years saw Coates move through several WNBA organizations. On May 21, 2019, she was traded to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for a 2020 third-round draft pick, though she was waived by the team on July 14, 2019. Shortly after, on July 17, 2019, she signed with the Atlanta Dream.
Coates continued her journey by signing with the Washington Mystics on June 29, 2020, appearing in the team's season opener. In 2023, she signed a training camp contract with the Indiana Fever on February 7. After a brief suspension in May due to overseas commitments, she was activated on May 11 but was subsequently waived on June 7, 2023.
Short-term Contracts and the Las Vegas Aces
The latter part of 2023 was marked by a series of specialized contracts. Coates signed a Hardship Contract (a temporary contract allowing teams to replace injured players) with the Phoenix Mercury on June 27, appearing in two games before her release on June 29.
On August 2, 2023, she joined the Las Vegas Aces on a 7-day contract. Her performance led to two additional 7-day extensions, eventually resulting in a rest-of-season hardship contract to remain with the Aces.
International Career
Beyond the WNBA, Coates has established herself as a global competitor. She began her overseas journey in October 2018, signing with Zhejiang Far East in the Chinese League for the 2018-19 off-season.
Coates has had a significant presence in Europe, particularly in Turkey. She played for Nesibe Aydın GSK of the Turkish Women's Basketball Super League (TKBL) during the 2021–2022 season and returned to the same club for the 2023–2024 season. In between these stints, she signed with Galatasaray on October 5, 2022. Most recently, from September to December 2024, she competed for BC Castelnuovo Scrivia in the Lega Basket Femminile (the top-tier professional women's league in Italy).
Career Summary Table
| Organization/League | Role/Status | Period/Year |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Sky (WNBA) | 2nd Overall Draft Pick | 2017–2019 |
| Minnesota Lynx (WNBA) | Traded/Waived | 2019 |
| Atlanta Dream (WNBA) | Signed | 2019 |
| Washington Mystics (WNBA) | Signed | 2020 |
| Indiana Fever (WNBA) | Training Camp Contract | 2023 |
| Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) | Hardship Contract | 2023 |
| Las Vegas Aces (WNBA) | 7-Day/Hardship Contracts | 2023 |
| Zhejiang Far East (China) | Off-season | 2018–2019 |
| Nesibe Aydın GSK (Turkey) | TKBL Player | 2021–22, 2023–24 |
| Galatasaray (Turkey) | Signed | 2022 |
| BC Castelnuovo Scrivia (Italy) | Lega Basket Femminile | 2024 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Asia Coates make her WNBA debut?
Asia Coates made her professional debut on May 19, 2018, playing for the Chicago Sky in a game against the Indiana Fever.
Why did Coates miss her first WNBA season?
Coates missed the entire 2017 WNBA season due to ankle surgery.
Which WNBA team drafted Asia Coates?
She was drafted second overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2017 WNBA draft.
In which international leagues has Asia Coates played?
Coates has played in the Chinese League, the Turkish Women's Basketball Super League (TKBL), and the Lega Basket Femminile in Italy.
What is a Hardship Contract in the WNBA?
A hardship contract is a temporary agreement that allows a team to sign a player to replace another player who is injured or unable to play for a specific period.