Geno seeing 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

Elsa / Getty Images UConn coach Geno Auriemma has had 43 of his former players drafted by WNBA teams since the league’s inception in 1997.