Connecticut Sun
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Some experts think the Connecticut Sun are the best team in the WNBA never to have won a league championship. For the last two years they've finished the season with more wins than anybody else, but still no championship ring. Injuries have played a big role in these outcomes. Sun's management has not sat back and waited, however. Before the 2007 draft they traded their most dominant player, Taj McWilliams-Franklin to the Los Angeles Sparks.
[edit] 2006 In Review[edit] What Went Right?For the second year in a row, the Connecticut Sun finished with the best regular season record in the league (26-8), but fell short of the ultimate prize. In addition to their wins, the Sun's superior talent was made evident in the five All-Star selections they earned in 2006. Margo Dydek, Lindsay Whalen and Nykesha Sales were chosen as starters and Katie Douglas and Taj McWilliams-Franklin (injury replacement player) were picked as reserves. Katie Douglas ultimately landed herself a spot in the starting lineup and made the most of the opportunity, earning the All-Star MVP award. Meanwhile, back in Connecticut, Douglas made the Sun rise as she led the team with 16.4 points per game and set a franchise record with 73 3-pointers made. She led the team in scoring 14 times and left her mark in the team history books with a record 17 straight games scoring in double figures. In the midst of the All-Star MVP's aggressive offensive play, Douglas also proved to be a tough defender with a career-high 62 steals. |
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Douglas was not the only player who was hot on defense last year. 7-2 Margo Dydek led the league in blocked shots for the eighth time in her nine-year career, averaging 2.5 blocks per game. She holds the league career mark with 811 blocks.
The entire Sun team shined on defense, grabbing 37.3 rebounds and 4.5 steals per game. As the best team throughout the regular season, they naturally put up some impressive stats. But the most notable of all the numbers may have been their 80.7% clip from the free throw line, which was tops in the league.
Sun coach Mike Thibault must be commended for his role in the team's success. In fact, he was, winning Coach of the Year for the first time in his career. He led the team to a seven-game winning streak and encouraged his team to play hard on both ends of the floor. Balanced scoring was key in Connecticut's victories as Douglas, Sales, McWilliams-Franklin and Jones all averaged above 10.0 ppg on the season.
What Went Wrong?
The Sun may have been the two-time reigning Eastern Conference champs, but the rival Detroit Shock stole their glory in 2006. The Shock came into the Eastern Conference Finals full of energy after sweeping the Indiana Fever and bested the Sun in a hard-fought three-game series. Injuries to Katie Douglas and Nykesha Sales down the stretch really did them in.
Sales, the veteran All-Star forward, only played in 22 of 34 games this season. As a result, the team had the difficult task of compensating for a talented and versatile player who was pivotal to the team's success. Douglas also missed time in the playoffs and was limited on both ends of the floor against the Shock
Connecticut has had a consistent presence at or near the top of the standings for three straight years now, but has failed to earn a WNBA title. In order to improve upon 2006, the team needs to step up its play in big games. They have the talent. Now they just need to show that as a team they have the heart.
Looking Ahead To 2007
Connecticut has been an elite team in the league and should remain that way this season after bringing back most of its nucleus for 2007. After re-signing Douglas, they still have all the ingredients to win a championship. It is simply a matter of taking those ingredients and cooking up a five-star team. Douglas has been playing overseas and has recovered from the hairline fracture. More than anything, her quick return to the hardwood demonstrates her desire to win. It is that type of desire and passion that Douglas will need to share with her teammates this season.
For the first time in her WNBA career, Douglas will be without Taj McWilliams-Franklin by her side. McWilliams-Frankilin, who has improved in just about every season of her career, was traded to the Sparks for Erika de Souza and the 12th pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft. Taj finished 2006 with 9.6 rpg (second in the league) and 12.8 ppg. She is irreplaceable in the locker room, though the Sun should have enough firepower to compensate for her departure. Can Lindsay Whalen pick up the scoring void a bit more in her fourth WNBA season? Is Asjha Jones ready to come in and start? De Souza was a rookie in 2006 and scored 1.1 ppg and 1.3 rpg. Despite the loss, having another first round draft pick and some new blood should help the team to stay in contention.
The Sun were dealt another blow when reserve point guard Erin Phillips was lost for the season with an injury while playing in her native Australia. Phillips provided a tremendous spark off the bench and offered a change of pace from Whalen. She will be missed.
Yet the Sun did sign a big body in the form of free agent Kristen Rasmussen. A forward who played for the Mercury last season, Rasmussen will add an inside presence, most likely off the bench. She finished last season with 4.8 ppg and 3.8 rpg. She will most likely add depth to the Sun's bench.
But the straw that stirs the drink is and always has been Nykesha Sales. She is only the second player in league history to reach 3,000 points, 500 assists and 400 steals for her career. In the end, only the Connecticut players themselves and another ill-timed injury can prevent the Sun from shining in 2007.
History
The Connecticut Sun became the first independently owned WNBA franchise in league history on January 28, 2003. Purchased by Mohegan Sun, the team had previously operated as the Orlando Miracle since 1999. Since joining the league, the Sun have been one of the WNBA’s most successful franchises. The team has reached the WNBA Finals twice, finished first in the Eastern Conference during the regular season three times and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals four years in a row. More Sun history...
Key Stats
2006 Leaders
| Player | Points | Player | Rebounds | Player | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taj McWilliams - Franklin | 12.8 | Taj McWilliams - Franklin | 9.4 | Nykesha Sales | 3.4 |
| Lindsay Whalen | 12.6 | Margo Dydek | 7.2 | Katie Douglas | 2.5 |
| Katie Douglas | 12.0 | Nykesha Sales | 6.0 | Taj McWilliams - Franklin/Lindsay Whalen | 2.2 |
Season-by-Season
| Season | Wins | Losses | Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 26 | 8 | 0.765 |
| 2005 | 26 | 8 | 0.765 |
| 2004 | 18 | 16 | 0.526 |
| 2003 | 18 | 16 | 0.526 |
| 2002 | 16 | 16 | 0.500 |
| 2001 | 13 | 19 | 0.406 |
| 2000 | 16 | 16 | 0.500 |
| 1999 | 15 | 17 | 0.469 |
Management
- Mitchell Etess - CEO
- Jeff Hartmann - COO
- Paul Munick - President
- Chris Sienko - General Manager
- Mike Thibault - Head Coach
Home Court
| Arena | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mohegan Sun Arena | 2002 - Present | |
| Orlando | 1999 - 2001 |
Gallery
 Katie Douglas took home MVP honors in the 2006 WNBA All-Star appearance. |
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 Kamesha Hairston, 2007 first round draft choice from Temple University. |
 Sandrine Gruda, 2007 first round draft choice from US Valenciennes Olympic. |
