Mery Andrade: 'I've extended with the Raptors until 2030, they appreciate my work'

NEW YORK — Fearless and trailblazing in an NBA where few women have ever had the opportunity to tread, Mery Andrade continues to make basketball history. At 50, the former Portuguese international and WNBA player is cementing her status at the highest level as an assistant coach for the Toronto Raptors, a rebuilding project where she has just signed a contract extension through 2030.

In an interview with A BOLA following a thrilling preseason clash against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, Andrade spoke candidly despite a tight schedule. She opened up about the demands of working at the elite level, the persistent barriers for women in men's professional sports, the high-standard culture being built in Toronto, and her pride in seeing Neemias Queta shine on the world's biggest basketball stage. It was an intimate and vibrant conversation with a woman who refuses to settle and keeps pushing forward—just as her mother always reminded her: 'You wanted the bicycle? Now pedal!'

— This will be your fourth season in the NBA and as an assistant coach with the Raptors. How has the experience been?
— Fantastic! I'm really happy with my decision to join a team embarking on a rebuild. When we arrived, the franchise was transitioning away from the 2018–19 championship era. We started with a very young roster—which is always challenging in the NBA, as you see with teams like Washington [Wizards], Charlotte [Hornets], and Atlanta [Hawks]. That process takes years...

— And sometimes teams get stuck in that phase...
— Exactly. We believe in putting in the work and trusting the process, and over two years we've made significant progress. In our third year [2025–26], we made the playoffs and pushed the series to Game 7 in the first round [a 4-3 defeat to the Cavaliers]. But throughout an NBA season, you also need a bit of luck. We had our share of injuries, notably losing two starters, and I believe the story would have been different if [Immanuel] Quickley and [Brandon] Ingram had been healthy during last year's playoffs. That said, as our head coach always reminds us, nobody here was satisfied with just that—even if it showed great growth. I think that gave us tremendous motivation over the summer to work hard and come in ready for the new season.

Tonight [a 122-120 preseason loss to the Knicks on the 15th] was a great example of that. New York was our bogey team last season. They were one of the few teams—I think only two—we couldn't beat during the regular season. Tonight we gave ourselves a chance right down to the wire [having the final two shots], and we played our full rotation.

— Did this surpass your expectations when you arrived in 2023–24? If I'm not mistaken, you came from Petro de Luanda, an entirely different basketball world... Heading into your fourth year, has this journey exceeded what you imagined?
— Yes and no. I had come from the [New Orleans] Pelicans, where things went in a slightly different direction. In my first year there, we made the play-in, started winning, and reached the playoffs. But that roster kept changing, whereas here, the team was rebuilt and continues to grow together. It's similar to Europe: when you can keep the core intact over several years, you build a culture and maintain continuity. That's key. Our expectations are built on working hard and bringing in high-character players—guys who aren't afraid to grind, who embrace defense, and who deliver results. That is our identity, and it's working well.

— In July, the Raptors signed head coach Darko Rajaković to a contract extension. Did they extend yours as well?
— Yes!

— Through when?
— [laughs] Through 2030.

— Through 2030 in Toronto. Is your excitement also driven by knowing that you are a core piece of this medium-to-long-term project?
— Yes, absolutely. It meant a lot to me. It happened during my summer, which was quite hectic due to my U.S. Green Card paperwork [permanent residency and work permit]. Coach called me while I was in Italy and said, 'Listen Mery, I just signed my extension and I'd love for you to stay part of our project. What do you think?' I was thrilled. Last season, the players I was directly responsible for developing didn't always get many opportunities, but whenever their numbers were called, they were ready to produce, and Darko really appreciated that. He told me, 'Keep doing the work you're doing, that's exactly what we expect from you.' This year I have more new, young players to mentor, which is always an exciting challenge. I'm ready to get to work...

— What about the Green Card process? You played college basketball here, played in the WNBA... Did you ever consider applying for U.S. citizenship to avoid the recurring paperwork of work visas or permanent residency?
— I usually listen to my mother's advice—she is my rock, as they say here in the States. But this was the one time I kept putting it off, saying: 'Mom, I'll do it later, I'll do it later.' In college, I didn't really think about it, to be honest. In the WNBA, where the process would have been much easier given my status, my mom kept warning me, but I never followed through. Then my WNBA playing career ended overnight [in 2004]. Later, when I returned to the college ranks as a coach [San Diego, 2015–2019], I tried to sort it out, but that coincided with the presidential transition [from the Obama administration to Donald Trump] and things became much more complicated. After ten years, I finally got it done...

— As an assistant coach, what are your exact responsibilities right now?
— I handle player development, assist during practice sessions, and help with game preparation. Part of my role also involves working with our G League affiliate [Raptors 905]: making sure they run the exact same system we do, which requires me to oversee their operations from time to time. When you don't see me on the Raptors bench during some games, it's because I'm on assignment scouting and working with the 905 team. We align our programs so that when you watch a G League game, it feels just like watching the Raptors: the same defense, the same intensity. Last season, they put together an incredible 15-game winning streak. Ensuring that seamless transition is also part of my job.

To be continued...