Behind CT Sun’s strong start to new era: ‘Different type of energy’
UNCASVILLE — New season. New coaching staff. New players. New vibe.
Same mentality. The Connecticut Sun began a new era under the leadership of first-year coach Stephanie White with a win over the Washington Mystics in the home opener at Mohegan
Sun Arena Sunday afternoon.
The 80-74 win kicked off a new chapter for the franchise and showed what may lie ahead for the Sun. The team has started the season 2-0 followign a win at Indiana Friday, showing some of the same traits of the WNBA finalist from last year.
“They’re just tough,” White said. “They understand how to make winning plays, whether that’s on the defensive end and getting the big stuff, getting the critical rebound. You know, getting a big score, and just finding ways to win ballgames.”
White was hired as head coach after Curt Miller left for the Los Angeles Sparks. There were also roster changes.
But even with the changes, one thing remains the same from the Miller era: the defensive mindset. The Sun’s returning core set the tone on the defensive end in the home opener.
White is relying on those returning players to lead.
“This is a group that’s really connected on the defensive end of the floor. You know, we’re working to try to get more connected offensively (and) defensively, it’s their communication,” White said. “And we’ve made a concerted effort defensively to send off on to the defensive glass and to box out.”
The Sun has been known for their aggressive defense. The team under Miller prided itself on the ability to force steals, crash the boards, and show grit in the defensive paint.
The reason why the defense has remained consistent under new stewardship is because of their returning core four: twotime WNBA champion
DeWanna Bonner, threetime WNBA All-Star Alyssa Thomas, WNBA Sixth Player of the Year Brionna Jones, and Natisha Hiedeman.
Washington made 27 of 69 shots, as the Sun held the Mystics to 39.1% from the field.
Locked-in defense is usually rewarded with fast break opportunities and points in transition. Another Connecticut sta
ple.
“We want to push the tempo, great mismatches and just play our game,” Thomas said.
After a scoreless first quarter, Bonner responded with 10 in the second quarter and scored a team-high 21 points. She even forced two steals, leading at both ends of the court.
Thomas recorded a double-double of 14 points and 16 rebounds, along with six assists and three steals. Jones also secured a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds while, again, recording two steals.
“I think for us, it’s really studying how they play and then where they get their touches, how they get their touches, and then trying to to blend that in with the way that we want to play it to make it a little easier for them,” White said.
“It’s really just about trying to manipulate and in small ways to allow them to continue to do what they do best.”
Outside of the the returning four leaders and reserve Dijonai Carrington, Connecticut has reconstructed the roster. The franchise parted ways with Jasmine Thomas (Los Angeles Sparks) and four-time WNBA All-Star Jonquel Jones (New York Liberty).
But the Sun have added some interesting players in Rebecca Allen, Tyasha Harris and two former UConn women’s basketball players in Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Tiffany Hayes.
Hayes, a former WNBA All-Star, has acclimated quickly and is starting for the Sun. She had eight points on 3 of 10 shooting, but she was active on defense and she led the Sun with six points in the first quarter, when Washington took a 10-point lead.
“She’s bringing a different energy and dynamic, you know, off the dribble, off the bounce,” Jones said. “She can create for herself and create for others. I think it’s been crazy defensively. She’s been amazing. Like, you know, she can get up and pick up on both sides of the floor. That’s great and I’ve been loving playing with her so far.”
Nelson-Ododa added length to floor, standing at 6-foot-5, and is a welcome understudy for Jones. In her home regular season debut, NelsonOdoda had five points, five rebounds and two blocks in 15 minutes.
The additions have already embraced White’s system and are seemingly meshing with the returning players to create a similar yet different look for the Sun.
White has talked about the positive vibe around the team and it was on display Sunday, as Bonner joked and Thomas was smiling and the bench was energetic.
“I think for us the most exciting thing is, it’s just like we really enjoy being around this group,” White said. “We really enjoy being around each other and everybody is excited, you know, about the direction that we’re going.”
Players credit White, who was head coach of the Indiana Fever and Vanderbilt before a stint as a TV analyst.
“I’m having a lot of fun, I told you I was going to have fun this year, win, lose, or draw,” Bonner said.
Said Thomas, “We’ve got a lot of changes. Steph has been great. The entire coaching staff, they’re excited. It makes you want to be excited and it’s just really been a different type of energy here and for me, probably the most exciting I’ve been in a long time.”