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WNBA Previews: Connecticut Sun aim to burn even brighter in 2018

By Erica Ayala

UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT- May 2: Curt Miller, head coach of the Connecticut Sun during the Connecticut Sun pre season training in preparation for the 2018 WNBA season at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 2, 2018 in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT- May 2: Curt Miller, head coach of the Connecticut Sun during the Connecticut Sun pre season training in preparation for the 2018 WNBA season at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 2, 2018 in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) /
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UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT- May 2: Curt Miller, head coach of the Connecticut Sun during the Connecticut Sun pre season training in preparation for the 2018 WNBA season at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 2, 2018 in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT- May 2: Curt Miller, head coach of the Connecticut Sun during the Connecticut Sun pre season training in preparation for the 2018 WNBA season at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 2, 2018 in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) /

Just how high will the Connecticut Sun rise in 2018?

The Connecticut Sun is a young, quick team that put the league on notice in 2017. This year, the team is expected to return a healthy Morgan Tuck, Rachel Banham, and Chiney Ogwumike. How much better can they get?

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Last season, the fourth place Connecticut Sun likely delivered earlier than expected. Head coach and GM Curt Miller delivered an impressive 21-13 season. The team reached the playoffs for the first time since 2012, but failed to advance past the second single-game elimination round.

Miller returns, alongside Steve Smith and Brandi Poole, who replaces Nicki Collen—the new head coach of the Atlanta Dream. In addition to the staff, Sun fans will recognize several familiar faces on the roster.

However, there was one very noticeable absence in the 2018 training camp, Jonquel Jones.

No JJ?

High Post Hoops has previously reported that Jones has missed the entire training camp due to complications with paperwork, and other personal matters. “Certain things out of our control [came up],” said Miller.  “Some family issues and paperwork issues that she needed to take care of at her end. There were some unfortunate left turns in the process.” When asked if there was a timeline for Jones’ arrival, Miller responded, “We don’t. We believe that she’ll get here before our opener.” 

While Jones is in communication with her team, there are concerns if she will be game-ready upon her return. “We’ll have to evaluate that when she gets here. I know she’s still working over there [Bahamas], she’s paying attention to what we’re sending her,”  said Miller. 

He hopes to integrate her as soon as possible but had no answers as to when that might be. “There’s always that curve, getting timing with all her teammates again. You know, game shape is different than staying in shape. So she’ll she’ll have to use the early part of the season. You know, missing a 19-day training camp it is hard on anybody.” 

Returning Players

With Jones in question–at least for now–Miller will work with his other returning players from the previous season to the 2018 preseason roster. Courtney Williams has looked very good in the three-game preseason. She led all scoring with 18 points and contributed two steals and an uncredited blocked shot on Wings center Liz Cambage on May 8. She added 10 points and another blocked shot in a 74-58 win over Atlanta on May 11.

Williams is joined by returning guards Rachel Banham, Jasmine Thomas, and Alex Bentley. Ogwumike and Tuck return healthy to the frontcourt with Brionna Jones, Shekinna Stricklen, and Alyssa Thomas. January Jones, a 28th overall pick for the Sun in 2017, is back in training camp.

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