Sun Announces Several Signings

By Bob Phillips

Photos by Bill Harper

UNCASVILLE—The Connecticut Sun took several large steps this past week to prepare for what they hope will be a title run in 2024. First, the Sun announced that two-time WNBA All-Star and seven-year league veteran Brionna Jones has re-signed with the team on a one-year deal. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We are looking forward to a full year with Breezy on the floor,” remarked Sun Head Coach Stephanie White. “She is the ultimate teammate, competitor and leader. She’s worked hard through the process of her recovery and rehab and we are ready to get to work with her.”

Jones, originally drafted eighth overall in the 2017 WNBA Draft, has spent all seven seasons in the league in Connecticut. Last season, the Maryland native averaged a career-best 15.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.8 steals over 13 games, prior to a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture on June 20 against Seattle. Despite her limited number of games played, Jones was able to record a new career-high in assists with seven against Las Vegas on June 6 and minutes played with 41 minutes played against Atlanta on June 15.

“We are super excited that Brionna Jones will remain in a Connecticut Sun uniform,” said Sun General Manager Darius Taylor. “She was significantly missed last season and having her back will be tremendous for our organization on and off the court.”

A 6-3 center, Jones has earned a plethora of accolades over the course of her career including WNBA Sixth Player of the Year (2022), WNBA All-Star (2021, 2022) and WNBA Most Improved Player (2021). She enters the 2024 season climbing the Connecticut Sun record books where she currently sits ninth all-time in games played (179), 15th all-time in scoring (1,652), ninth all-time in rebounding (793) and 14th all-time in blocked shots (66). She is also currently one of eight players in franchise history to tally at least 1,600 points, 750 rebounds, 150 assists, 150 steals and 60 blocks in a Connecticut Sun uniform.

While rehabbing from her injury this offseason, Jones returned to her alma mater, the University of Maryland, as the Director of Player Personnel for the women’s basketball program. She also is one of six players signed to the WNBA’s Player Marketing Agreement cohort, serving as brand ambassadors for the league and its partners.

BONNER BACK

The next major move for the Sun was re-signing two-time WNBA champion and five-time WNBA All-Star DeWanna Bonner to a one-year deal.

“We’re excited to have DB return to the Sun,” said Sun head coach Stephanie White. “She’s a Hall of Fame player whose legacy extends beyond the court. She’s a cornerstone of everything we do, and we are grateful to have her back.”

Originally drafted fifth overall in the 2009 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury, Bonner has spent the last four seasons with the Sun after being traded from the Mercury prior to the 2020 season. Throughout her 14-year WNBA career, the 6-4 forward/guard has earned a plethora of accolades including WNBA Sixth Player of the Year (2009, 2010, 2011), WNBA All-Star (2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023), WNBA Champion (2009, 2014), All-WNBA First Team (2015), All-WNBA Second Team (2020) and AP Comeback Player of the Year (2018).

Last season, Bonner started in all 40 regular-season games for Connecticut, averaging a team-high 17.4 points, along with 5.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game. In addition, she set franchise records for most points scored in a single regular season (697) and for most points in a single game with a career-high 41 against Las Vegas on June 8, 2023.

Bonner hit a handful of personal statistical milestones last season, tallying her 1,000th career assist, 500th career three-point field goal and 300th career block in 2023. She joined Tamika Catchings as one of two players in WNBA history to record at least 6,800 points, 2,800 rebounds, 1,000 assists, 550 steals and 300 blocks in their career. Bonner enters the 2024 season climbing the WNBA record books, currently sitting at 6th all-time in scoring (6,881), 10th in rebounds (2,829), 13th in steals (556), 11th in three-point field goals made (565) and 10th in games played (462).

“We’re excited to have DB return to the Sun,” said White. “She’s a Hall of Fame [type] player whose legacy extends beyond the court. She’s a cornerstone of everything we do, and we are grateful to have her back.”

“We are elated to be able to keep DeWanna Bonner in a Connecticut Sun uniform,” added Taylor. “DeWanna’s impact on our team and organization on and off the court is something we treasure. We look forward to her continuing to be a huge part of our organization and helping our quest for our first title.”

BEEFING UP THE PAINT

Next, the Sun announced that Astou Ndour-Fall (pronounced ahh-stoo doo-fall) has inked a one-year deal. Originally drafted No. 16 overall by the San Antonio Stars in 2014 out of Gran Canaria, Spain, the 6-5 center comes to Connecticut after having helped lead the Chicago Sky during the 2021 WNBA season. The 6-5 center also played in Chicago during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, with the San Antonio Stars in 2014 and 2016, and with the Dallas Wings in 2020 over the course of her WNBA career. Over 114 career games in the WNBA, Ndour-Fall has averaged 5.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 0.6 blocks per game.

Born in Dakar, Senegal, Ndour-Fall moved to Spain during her childhood and obtained her Spanish citizenship in 2011. She has been a member of the Spanish National Team since 2014, winning a silver medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2018 FIBA World Cup. Ndour-Fall has found great success playing professionally in the EuroLeague and EuroCup having played with clubs in Italy, Russia, Turkey and Spain. Most recently, she signed with Spanish league team, Gran Canaria, where she is averaging 14.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.

“Astou brings an all-around dimension to our team with her length, experience and ability to stretch the floor,” said Taylor. “We look forward to her coming back to the W in a Connecticut Sun uniform and providing depth in the paint.”

WELCOME HOME MORIAH!

Next, the Sun offered up some home cooking by announcing the team has signed former UConn star Moriah Jefferson in a sign-and-trade transaction with the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for Rebecca Allen. Jefferson’s contract extends through the next two seasons.

Originally drafted second overall by the San Antonio Stars in the 2016 WNBA Draft, Jefferson returns to the Nutmeg State with seven seasons of professional experience under her belt. Last season, the Glenn Heights, TX native played for the Phoenix Mercury where she averaged 10.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Prior to Phoenix, the 5-6 point guard played three seasons with San Antonio Stars/Las Vegas Aces, two with the Dallas Wings and one with the Minnesota Lynx. In 2016 Jefferson earned WNBA All-Rookie Team honors, and in 2022 she became one of just 15 players in WNBA history to record a triple-double when she recorded 13 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for the Lynx on June 28, 2022.

“We are excited to add Moriah to our team,” said White. “She gives us an experienced guard that can impact the game on both ends with her speed, quickness and playmaking ability.”

“We are overjoyed to welcome Moriah back to the Connecticut community and the Sun organization,” added Taylor. “She will have an immediate impact on the court and in the locker room.”

Jefferson left UConn as a four-time NCAA National Champion, a two-time Nancy Liberman Award winner (2015, 2016), a two-time WBCA All-American (2015, 2016) and the program’s all-time leader in assists (659). Jefferson, who along Husky teammates Breanna Stewart and Morgan Tuck compiled a record of 151-5 through illustrious college careers, marking the most wins by a senior class in NCAA history.

The Sun will tip-off the 2024 season on Tuesday, May 14 against the Indiana Fever at 8 p.m. EST at Mohegan Sun Arena. Stay tuned for radio/television/streaming information on the upcoming season.

Dream Snaps Seven-Game Skid vs. Sun

By Bob Phillips

UNCASVILLE—Allisha Gray had a career-high 27 points and 10 rebounds, Cheyenne Parker forced overtime with a last-second shot and the Atlanta Dream beat the Connecticut Sun 92-88 on Thursday night to snap a seven-game losing streak in the series.

The Sun were led by Brionna Jones who tallied a double-double with a season-high 28 points and 13 rebounds, along with one assist and two steals.

Atlanta outscored Connecticut, 15-11, heading into the first media timeout of the contest. Jones and Alyssa Thomas each notched four points in the opening minutes to lead the Sun. Connecticut finished the quarter on a 17-5 run to take an eight-point advantage into the second, 28-20. Jones tallied 11 points, three rebounds and one steal to lead the Sun after ten minutes.

The Dream opened the second quarter outscoring the Sun, 10-4, to cut the lead to two, 32-30, with 6:33 remaining in the half. The Sun finished the half on a 20-8 run to take their largest lead of the contest, 50-40, into the locker room at intermission. Jones tied her season-high in scoring in the first half alone with 21 points, along with seven rebounds, one assist and one steal to lead Connecticut at the break.

The Dream opened the third quarter with a 9-0 run to cut the Sun lead to one, 50-49, with 7:47 remaining in the quarter. The Sun were held scoreless until the 6:31 mark in the third quarter when Jones sank a mid-range jumper to make it 52-51. Each team notched 10 points the rest of the way, with the Sun taking a one-point lead into the fourth, 62-61.

After 10 lead changes in the fourth stanza, the Sun and the Dream were knotted at 80 points apiece, sending the contest into overtime. Thomas notched nine of her 23 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Sun.

Atlanta outscored Connecticut, 12-8, in the overtime period to hand Connecticut their second home loss of the season, 92-88. The Dream were led by Allisha Gray who tallied a career-high 27 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Connecticut shot 42.9 percent from the floor on 33-for-77 shooting, while Atlanta shot 51.4% (36-for-70) from the field. The Sun outscored the Dream in the paint (52-48), on second chance opportunities (17-12) and on the fast break (21-2).

The Sun now travel to Los Angeles where they will take on the Los Angeles Sparks headed by former Sun head coach and GM Curt Miller on Sunday. Tip-off at Crypto.com Arena is at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT and the game will be televised on NBC Sports Boston and streamed on the NBC Sports app.

Sun Spots:
• With 23 points on the night, Alyssa Thomas eclipsed 3,000 points in her career (3,011). She also moved into fourth all-time in franchise history in scoring, passing Katie Douglas.
• With two three-point field goals in the game, DeWanna Bonner moved into 14th all-time in league history in made threes, tying Allie Quigley (510).
• With five assists on the night, former UConn star Tiffany Hayes now has 700 career assists.
• The Sun scored a season-high 50 points in the first half. However, they also tied a season-low with 12 points in the third quarter.
• Alyssa Thomas (23), Brionna Jones (28) and DeWanna Bonner (20) combined for 71 of the Sun’s 88 points.
Team Score Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 OT PTS REB AST CON 88 28 22 12 18 8 Jones- 28 Jones- 13 Thomas- 7 ATL 92 20 20 21 19 12 Gray- 27 Gray- 10 Jones- 6

STORRS—UConn head football coach Jim Mora announced the Huskies have added seven transfer student-athletes who will join the Huskies for the the upcoming 2023 season. The newest Huskies are:

Armauni Archie – Defensive Back

6-0/183, Vallejo, Calif. / El Cerrito HS (Washington State University)

Transfers to UConn from Washington State University…In four seasons at WSU, played in 17 games with 15 total tackles, 12 solo…Coming off a 2022 season where he appeared in 11 games, one as a starter at the nickel…Made 11 tackles on the year...Suffered a season-ending injury in 2021…Saw majority of time early in his career on special teams…Prior to WSU, attended El Cerrito High School and was rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247sports.com and Rivals.com.

Brett Buckman – Wide Receiver

6-1/200, Park Ridge, N.J. / St. Joseph Regional (Delaware)

Transfers to UConn from the University of Delaware where he appeared in 33 games in four seasons for the Blue Hens…He had 61 career receptions for 763 yards and a touchdown…Had his best season in 2022 where he caught 39 balls in 13 games for 470 yards, a touchdown, all career-high marks…He had a season high of six catches for 76 yards against Rhode Island…Off the field, he was selected to the 2021 Fall CAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll.

James Burns – Wide Receiver

5-8/155, Charlotte, N.C. / Rocky River HS (Austin Peay)

A transfer to UConn from Austin Peay State University where he played one season in 2022…In nine games last fall he caught 39 passes for 517 yards and five touchdowns…Finished second on the club in catches and receiving touchdowns…Prior to Austin Peay he played three seasons at Miami University (OH)…He had his best season in 2019 where he played in 12 games, making three starts…Finished the year with 20 catches for 506 yards and one touchdown…Ended the season with 25.3 yards per reception, tops in the nation among freshman wide receivers.

Alex Honig – Tight End

6-6/265, Bavaria, Germany / Schwäbisch Hall (TCU)

Transfers to UConn from TCU…In 2022, played in 12 of 15 games in his r-freshman season, primarily on special teams...Named to the 2022 first team Academic All-Big 12 team…Redshirted in the 2021 season…Prior to TCU was rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals…The No. 27 pro-style quarterback in the 247Sports composite rankings…Rated the No. 1 quarterback and overall player in Germany…Excelled for the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns, one of the top American football youth teams in Germany.

Amir Renwick – Defensive Back

6-1/200, Baltimore, Md. / Milford Mill Academy (Coffeyville CC)

Transfers to UConn after two seasons at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas…In his two seasons, saw action in 17 total games with 111 total tackles, 6.5 for a loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, two pass break-ups and two forced fumbles…In 2022, helped lead Coffeyville to an 8-3 overall record, finishing with 99 total tackles, 57 solo tackles and 5.5 tackles for a loss and two picks…In conference action, he finished with 60 total tackles, while averaging 10 tackles per game.

Torion White – Defensive Back

6-2/170, Long Beach, Calif. / Long Beach Poly (Southern Utah)

Comes to UConn after transferring from Southern Utah University…Played two seasons for the Thunderbirds and appeared in 10 total games…Coming off a 2022 season where he played nine games and had 22 total tackles, 16 solo and one for a loss. He also recorded an interception and had four pass break-ups on the year.

R.J. Wilkins – Defensive Line

6-3/315, Chicago, Ill. / Mount Carmel (Illinois)

Transfers to UConn after a season at the University of Illinois where he played in five games…Prior to Illinois played two-years at Vanderbilt where he saw action in 19 games in two season…In 2021 finished with 13 tackles, five solo, in 12 games (10 starts)…In 2020, started all nine games and had eight tackles, 2.0 for a loss, and a fumble recovery…Had 2.0 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery against South Carolina…Had playing stops at Monterey Peninsula (Calif.) College (2019) and at Wisconsin-Stevens Point (2018) .

Huskies, Tar Heels To Tangle in WBB at Mohegan Sun

UNCASVILLE—The University of Connecticut women's basketball team will take on North Carolina in the 10th annual Basketball Hall of Fame Invesco QQQ Women's Showcase on Sunday, Dec. 10, at Mohegan Sun Arena. UConn is 7-5 all-time vs. North Carolina. The teams last faced off in Storrs on Jan. 16, 2012. The Huskies have won the last five meetings vs. the Tar Heels. UNC is coming off a 22-11 season which featured an appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

The Showcase will also feature Florida State vs. UCLA and South Carolina vs. Utah. Game times and television broadcast details will be released at a later date.

UConn donors and season ticket holders will have an exclusive ticket pre-sale opportunity prior to the public sale. Public ticket sales will begin Friday, Sept. 8.

Uconn’s 2023-24 non-conference schedule will also include previously announced games vs. Ball State (home), Dayton (home; originally slated for 2020-21 season), Louisville (home), Maryland (home), Notre Dame (home), Minnesota (road), NC State (road), South Carolina (road) and Texas (road). The Huskies will also play two games in the inaugural Cayman Islands Women's Basketball Tournament.