Sun Finalize Roster

By Bob Phillips

 UNCASVILLE—The Connecticut Sun finalized its roster this week as the team prepares to open its 16th season when they play host to the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Nine members of the 2017 team—the first Sun team to reach the postseason since 2012—made the final roster, including Rachel Banham, Alex Bentley, Jonquel Jones, Brionna Jones, Shekinna Stricklen, Alyssa Thomas, Jasmine Thomas, Morgan Tuck and Courtney Williams. Chiney Ogwumike, who missed last season due to injury, will also be back. Jones, who missed the preseason for personal reasons, will be back for tip-off on Opening Day. Sun fans are particularly interested in watching Jones, the WNBA’s leading rebounder last season, pair with a healthy Ogwumike, the No. 1 overall choice in 2014.

Chiney Ogwumike, the No. 1 overall pick in 2014, will
team with Jonquel Jones, last year's top rebounder, to
give the Sun a formidable frontcourt.

Newcomers to the team include rookie guard Lexie Brown and guard/forward Betnijah Laney. The final Sun cuts on Wednesday were Cayla George, Nikki Greene, Jessica January and Leticia Romero. Bria Holmes, the New Haven native acquired by the Sun in a draft-day trade with the Atlanta Dream, will miss the entire 2018 season due to pregnancy.

The Connecticut Sun will tip off #WNBAAllDay this Sunday, May 20 at 1 p.m. A 21-win playoff team in 2017, the Sun will look to start fast, taking on the Las Vegas Aces (formerly the San Antonio Stars) as the first game on a day in which all 12 WNBA teams will be in action for the very first time. Game two will come four days later when the Los Angeles Sparks visit the Mohegan Sun Arena on Thursday.

—With Coleen White & Staff Reports