Geno sees former UConn players ‘earn’ WNBA jobs

The UConn women’s basketball team had three players selected in April’s WNBA draft, continuing a long tradition for the program.

As the first week of the regular season ended, two of the three had roster spots — including Evina Westbrook, who signed with Minnesota after being waived by Seattle. Olivia Nelson-Ododa remains with Los Angeles, while Christyn Williams is out with a knee injury suffered in Washington’s training camp.

Meanwhile, other former UConn players have appeared on the league’s transaction list over the past few days. Crystal Dangerfield, the WNBA’s 2020 Rookie of the Year, was waived by Minnesota on Monday before signing with Indiana. But the Fever released her after one game.

Moriah Jefferson, the No. 2 pick in the 2016 draft, was waived by Dallas. She signed with Minnesota on Friday, a day after the Lynx added Westbrook.

UConn coach Geno

Auriemma, who will be at Mohegan Sun Arena to see the Sun honor ex-UConn star Asjha Jones on Saturday night, has had 43 of his players drafted by WNBA teams since the league’s inception in 1997. He spoke Friday about the latest group.

“When they get to the pros, nobody owes you anything. You have to earn it. It’s a very competitive league. There’s only 12 teams, there’s only so many spots on every roster,” Auriemma said. “I think those three guys did a great

Jessica Hill / Associated Press UConn’s Christyn Williams, center, reacts after receiving the tournament’s most outstanding player award as coach Geno Auriemma, left, and Olivia Nelson-Ododa look on after the Big East Tournament final against Villanova on March 7.