Connecticut Sun promote Chris Koclanes to assistant coach
More coaching help for Curt Miller’s rising team.
Head coach Curt Miller and the Connecticut Sun announced this week that Chris Koclanes, who spent the last three seasons as the team’s video and travel coordinator, was promoted to assistant coach, focusing on Connecticut’s guards.
In his previous role, Koclanes spearheaded scouting and assisted with player development other team logistics. Koclanes replaces Steve Smith, who left following the season, on the bench.
“Chris was one of my first hires upon arriving in Connecticut and has played a major role in our growth and success during our tenure,” Miller said.
Miller also went on to add that Koclanes “is one of the most talented young coaches that I have been around in my 30-year career.”
More from Connecticut Sun
- Aces Wild: Las Vegas wins first WNBA Championship over Sun
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, October 1: Why the Sun set on Connecticut’s season
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, September 28: All-Rookie team announced
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, September 24: Playoff Stewie time
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, September 21: COVID scare for Seattle
In 2018, Connecticut finished 21-13 overall, the same as 2017, and third in the Eastern Conference standings behind the Atlanta Dream and Washington Mystics. Both years, they received a first-round bye but were eliminated in the second round.
With players like Jonquel Jones (2018 Sixth Woman of the Year), Jasmine Thomas (First Team All-Defense) and Chiney Ogwumike, on top of one of the youngest rosters in the league, there aren’t many pieces to the puzzle the Sun is missing. Given Connecticut won just 14 games in 2016 and finished ninth, it’s safe to say Miller’s staff has done an exceptional job.
This is Koclanes’ first time wearing the assistant coach hat. He previously served as the video coordinator for the USC women’s basketball program for four seasons and had the same title for two seasons at St. Joseph’s. That’s a lot of years watching, studying and breaking down film—a surefire way to a promotion at the highest level of women’s hoops.
In addition to Koclanes promotion, Connecticut also announced they re-signed assistant coach Brandi Poole, who will work primarily with the post players. Her ties with Miller span over 13 years and date back to 2001 where she was on his staff at both Bowling Green and Indiana. She joined the Sun right before the 2018 season.