Auburn women’s basketball to retire DeWanna Bonner’s No. 24 jersey

In an unprecedented achievement, the Auburn Tigers’ women’s basketball team will immortalize DeWanna Bonner, Auburn’s all-time leading scorer, by retiring her No. 24 jersey at Neville Arena. This marks the fifth time in program history that a jersey will be raised to the rafters.

A standout player, Bonner contributed to the Tigers from 2005-09, hailing from Fairfield. She garnered numerous accolades, including being a two-time all-American and the SEC’s Player of the Year in 2009. Notably, Bonner holds the record for the highest number of points scored in a single season in program history, with 716 points in 2009. Additionally, she achieved the prestigious titles of McDonald’s and WBCA All-American during her time at Fairfield and was honored as the Gatorade Player of the Year in her senior year.

During her tenure with Auburn, Bonner showcased unmatched excellence, amassing an impressive total of 2,162 points. She is the leading scorer in program history, ranks third in rebounds with 1,047, stands seventh in blocks with 139, tops the list for made free throws with 600, and holds the fourth spot in scoring average at 17.2 points per game.

Following her senior season, Bonner’s talents were recognized in the 2009 WNBA Draft, where she was chosen as the fifth overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury. Notably, Bonner won the coveted WNBA championship with the Mercury in both 2009 and 2014.

Throughout her 14 seasons in the WNBA, Bonner has etched her name in the professional record books, currently ranking sixth in league history with an impressive 6,881 career points. Her remarkable achievements include being a five-time WNBA All-State selection, a two-time All-WNBA selection, and a three-time recipient of the Sixth Woman of the Year award.

Currently, Bonner continues to leave an indelible mark on the court as a member of the Connecticut Sun, following her trade in 2020. In the 2023 season, she led her team in scoring, averaging 17.4 points per game and contributing 5.6 rebounds per game.

On January 21, Bonner will make a special appearance at Neville Arena as the Auburn Tigers take on the Alabama Crimson Tide at 2 p.m. for a memorable tipoff, where her jersey will ceremoniously ascend to the rafters.