Mery Andrade

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 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

Career statistics

College Source

WNBA Source

Regular season

Playoffs

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