Connecticut Sun sign Leticia Romero to rookie contract

HRADEC KRALOVE, CZECH REPUBLIC - JUNE 19: Leticia Romero (20) of Spain in action against Karolina Elhotova (6) of Czech Republic during the 2017 FIBA EuroBasket Women qualifications match between Spain and Czech Republic at Hradec Kralove Arena, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic on June 19, 2017. (Photo by Omar Marques/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
HRADEC KRALOVE, CZECH REPUBLIC - JUNE 19: Leticia Romero (20) of Spain in action against Karolina Elhotova (6) of Czech Republic during the 2017 FIBA EuroBasket Women qualifications match between Spain and Czech Republic at Hradec Kralove Arena, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic on June 19, 2017. (Photo by Omar Marques/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /
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The Connecticut Sun signed Leticia Romero to a rookie contract, and have signed both Kelsey Griffin and Betnijah Laney to training camp contracts.

Romero was selected 16th overall by the Sun in the second round of the 2017 WNBA Draft. It was understood at the time that she would not play in the WNBA in 2017 so that she could fulfill her commitment to the Spanish National Team.

“After a year wait, we are excited to have signed Romero and look forward to having her in camp,” Connecticut Sun general manager and head coach Curt Miller said in Wednesday’s release. “She is a versatile guard who can play on and off the ball.”

Romero joins the collection of versatile guards in Connecticut, led by All-Defense selection and 2017 All-Star Jasmine Thomas. Courtney Williams, Alex Bentley and Rachel Banham have also each proved to some degree that they can work with or without the ball in their hands at the WNBA level.

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Romero played collegiately at Florida State where she was a three-time All-American — the first in the history of the program. She was a 47.7% career shooter from three-point range in college and shot 50.9% from deep as a senior.

Romero helped Spain to its first silver medal in Rio at the 2016 Olympics. She currently plays overseas for ZVVZ USK Praha in the Czech Republic.

Griffin, a five-year WNBA veteran, appeared in 164 regular season games for the Sun from 2010 to 2014. She and Banham currently play overseas for the Bendigo Spirit.

“Kelsey is a veteran forward with tremendous basketball IQ,” Miller said. “She is well respected by her teammates and is consistently described as a great leader, hard worker, and supportive teammate. She is ahead of schedule with her rehab and we are excited to welcome her back to Connecticut.”

Laney has also played for Bendigo this offseason. She was selected by the Chicago Sky in the second round of the 2015 WNBA Draft. Laney appeared in 40 games for the Sky from 2015 to 2016 before suffering a torn ACL. She was waived from Chicago’s training camp roster in 2017.

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“Betnijah is a physical and aggressive wing player that can guard multiple positions,” Miller said. “She plays with a high motor and competitiveness that is hard to teach. We are excited that she has signed with us and look forward to working with her in camp.”