Thomas Re-Ups With Sun

Veteran point guard Jasmine Thomas as re-signed a multi-year deal with
the Connecticut Sun.

The Connecticut Sun announced on Thursday that veteran point guard Jasmine Thomas has re-signed with the team. In 2016, Thomas enjoyed her second straight career year with the Sun, setting new single-season averages with 11.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. Her assist average was second in the WNBA last season. She also played a career-high 1,091 minutes.

 
Overall, Thomas reached career benchmarks of 1,500 points, 600 assists and 500 rebounds in 2016. She also extended her streak of consecutive games played to 204. The 27-year-old former Duke star has not missed a game in her WNBA career.

“We are excited that Jasmine has signed a multi-year contract with the Sun,” head coach and general manager Curt Miller said. “She is coming off an outstanding season with career numbers in nearly every statistical category. She is the extension of our coaching staff on the floor and provides needed leadership for the youngest roster in the league. She is a great role model for our young team and I truly admire the work ethic and professionalism she displays on a daily basis.” 

While at Duke, Thomas became just the fourth Blue Devil to notch over 1,300 points, 400 rebounds, 400 assists, 200 steals and 50 blocks, joining Alana Beard, Monique Currie and Katie Meier. She also joined Beard as one of the only two Blue Devils to record 100 or more steals in a single season. In addition, Thomas also scored in the classroom, being named an Academic All-American as a junior and senior.

A first-round pick by Seattle in 2011, Thomas was traded to the Washington Mystics prior to the start of her rookie season. She played for two years with the Mystics before being traded to the Atlanta Dream prior to the start of the 2013 season. After two years in Atlanta, Thomas was traded to the Sun in 2015, where she has started every game for the past two seasons. Last season, Thomas was named the WNBA’s Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played Sept. 12-18, 2016, averaging 16.3 points and 7.3 assists for the week. That week, a 21-point effort vs. the Indiana Fever matched her career high.

"I'm super excited to be staying in Connecticut,” Thomas said. “Curt and I have developed a good relationship. I believe in his system and I know he can bring championships to Connecticut in the future. I'm happy he views me as a valuable part of that.”

As per team policy, no terms of the multi-year deal were released.

The Sun will open the 2017 season on May 13 when they host Atlanta at Mohegan Sun Arena at 7 p.m. Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by contacting a sales representative at 877-SUN-TIXX or tickets@connecticutsun.com or by visiting www.connecticutsun.com.