Sun’s Jones, Miller earn hardware
Second-year center named Most Improved while Miller honored as coach, executive
Mohegan — The second question for Jonquel Jones after being named the WNBA's Most Improved Player on Sunday came from Lynetta Kizer.
Note that Kizer is one of Jones' teammates.
"Can you explain to the people how my smacks (to the body) have helped you go out every game and toughen you up," Kizer asked during a press conference.
"Yes, they really, really influence," Jones smiled. "They really psych me up before every game."
The atmosphere for the WNBA award presentation was a reflection of the Sun's vibe this season — they did things together as a family.
Several Connecticut players were on hand to watch Curt Miller be announced as Coach of the Year and the inaugural Basketball Executive of the Year award, joining Jones on the podium prior to their second-round playoff game.
"Obviously, this is an individual award," Jones said, "but without my teammates, I'm not going to be able to do this. They believed in me. They've been in my ear, challenging me on the court and at practice. I really do appreciate y'all. We're a family. We are a sisterhood.
"To my coaches, who spent endless time and tirelessly working to make me better, I want to say thank you."
Jones received 32 of 40 votes from a national media panel after becoming one of the league's top young stars in her second season. The 6-foot-6 center set single-season league records in both rebounding average (11.9) and to-
tal rebounds (403), topping the marks set by Tina Charles during her 2010 rookie season with Connecticut.
Jones also had a league-record 280 defensive rebounds, besting the record set by the Seattle Storm's Breanna Stewart last season.
Jones played all 34 games and boosted her scoring average from 6.8 points to 15.4 points. She was also selected to start in July's WNBA All-Star Game and was named the Associated Press' Most Improved Player last week.
Miller was a near runaway winner for Coach of the Year. He received 36 of 40 votes after leading Connecticut to its first playoff berth in five seasons in just his second season. It finished the regular season 20-13 and fourth-place overall in the standings.
The Sun were expected to be one of the WNBA's worst teams again this season, especially after All-Star Chiney Ogwumike suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury in November playing in China. They also had one of the league's youngest rosters and dealt with more injuries and absences during the season.
Miller preached from the moment that he was hired that "championships are won in the locker room." This year's team was as tight-knit and positive as any group in recent years.
"Coaching awards are a direct reflection of team success," Miller said. "It's remarkable the adversity that our team has (overcome).
"They have a bond that is truly hard to explain in that locker room. They're a true sisterhood. They play with each other and for each other, and we created an unbelievable championship culture in that locker room. And that's a true credit to the 12 of them."
Miller joins former head coach Mike Thibault (2006, 2008) as Sun coaches who've won the honor.
Miller received six of 12 votes from his peers to win Basketball Executive of the Year. He took over general manager duties this season. n.griffen@theday.com
“Coaching awards are a direct reflection of team success. It’s remarkable the adversity that our team has (overcome). They have a bond that is truly hard to explain in that locker room ... They play with each other and for each other, and we created an unbelievable championship culture in that locker room.”
SUN COACH AND GENERAL MANAGER CURT MILLER