Connecticut Sun

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Connecticut Sun
Connecticut Sun logo
ConferenceEastern Conference
Founded2003
HistoryOrlando Miracle
(1999-2002)
ArenaMohegan Sun Arena
LocationUncasville, Connecticut
Team colorsNavy, Red, Yellow, White
Team managerChris Wallace
Head coachMike Thibault
OwnershipMohegan Sun
Championships0
Conference titles2 (2004, 2005)

The Connecticut Sun are a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) team based in Uncasville, Connecticut. They began to play in the 2003 WNBA season. The Sun was the first WNBA franchise not to be owned by an NBA owner; the team is owned by the Mohegan Indian tribe. From 1999 to 2002, the team was known as the Orlando Miracle, playing in Orlando, Florida. Capitalizing on the popularity of women's basketball in Connecticut as a result of the success of the UConn Huskies, they had the distinction of being the only WNBA team not to share its market with an NBA team before the Seattle Supersonics moved, leaving the Storm alone in Seattle.

Franchise History

The Orlando Miracle Years (1999-2002)

Orlando Miracle
Orlando Miracle

The city of Orlando was granted an expansion franchise in 1999, and the Orlando Miracle would take the floor for the 1999 season. The Miracle would play their games at TD Waterhouse Centre as the sister team of the NBA Orlando Magic.

The Miracle posted respectable records in their four years of existence (1999-2002). The Miracle would make the playoffs once, in 2000, and lost in the first round against the Cleveland Rockers. In 2001, the Miracle would take a step backwards, but they hosted a very successful 2001 WNBA All-Star Game. In 2002, the Miracle would post a 16-16 (.500) record, tying for the final playoff spot with the Indiana Fever. But, the Miracle had lost the tie-breaker, so they barely missed the playoffs. Little did anyone know that the 2002 season would prove to be the Miracle's last in Orlando (See below).

Relocation to Connecticut

After the 2002 WNBA Season, the NBA sold off all of the WNBA franchises to the operators of the teams. Orlando Magic ownership was not interested in keeping the Miracle. The team would need to find other ownership or fold. No local ownership was found, so in October 2002, the Miracle announced their intentions to move out of Orlando, Florida. On January 28, 2003, The Miracle were bought by the Mohegan Native American Tribe, and it was announced that the Miracle would move immediately to Uncasville, Connecticut and change their nickname to the Sun (in reference to the Mohegan Sun casino owned by the tribe).

The Connecticut Sun (2003-Present)

The Miracle would undergo a total overhaul. The team was renamed the Connecticut Sun and received new colors. The team would then acquire former University of Connecticut star Rebecca Lobo. The Sun would lose their first ever game in Connecticut, 79 to 72, to the Houston Comets. But, the Sun would have a stellar season, posting an 18-16 record, good enough to make the playoffs. In the first round, the Sun would win their first playoff series in franchise (includes the Orlando years) history, sweeping the Charlotte Sting 2-0. But, in the East finals, the Sun would be swept by the Detroit Shock, who were on their way to a championship.

In 2004, the Sun drafted Minnesota Golden Gophers star Lindsay Whalen amidst rumors they would trade her to the Minnesota Lynx. However, she remained on the team as the Sun posted an 18-16 record in a terrible Eastern Conference, thus winning the #1 seed. In the first round, the Sun would defeat the Washington Mystics 2-1. In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Sun would roll on, sweeping the New York Liberty. The Sun had made it to the WNBA Finals in their second season of existence. In the Finals, their run would end, as they lost a hard-fought three-game series 2-1 to the Seattle Storm

In 2005, the Sun acquired center Margo Dydek. With a dominant center, the hungry Sun would dominate the Eastern Conference, posting a 26-8 record, the best regular season record for an Eastern Conference team in WNBA history. [1] In the playoffs, the Sun would fly to the finals, sweeping the Detroit Shock and Indiana Fever. In the 2005 WNBA Finals, the Sun were matched up against an equally dominant Sacramento Monarchs team. Also working against the Sun, Lindsay Whalen played through the series with injuries. The Sun had home-court advantage, but it would be of no use; the Sun lost the Finals for the second straight year, 3 games to 1, in the first WNBA Finals played in a best of 5 format.

The success of the franchise was rewarded in 2005, when the Sun were selected to host the annual WNBA All-Star Game. The All-Star game was arguably the most exciting in WNBA history with the two teams combining for 221 points. At the end of the game, the possessions turned into a virtual slam-dunk contest. [2]

In 2006, the Sun would match their 2005 record, and it looked like a return trip to the Finals was certain. In the playoffs, the Sun would quickly sweep the Washington Mystics. But in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Sun were upset by one of their rivals, the Detroit Shock, 2 games to 1.

In 2007, the Sun stumbled out of the gate, posting a dismal 5-10 record by late June. However, the Sun would storm back into playoff contention by winning 11 of their next 13 games, to finish the regular-season at 19-16, good enough to win the #3 seed in the Eastern Conference. In the playoffs, the Sun would face the Indiana Fever in the first round. The Sun came into the series having won all four regular-season contests against the Fever. In Game 1, despite holding a 17-point lead in the third quarter, the Sun would allow the Fever to force the first triple-overtime game in WNBA playoff history, ending in a 93-88 victory for the Sun. However, the Fever would respond by winning the next two games and the series, including a playoff record 22-point come-from-behind win in Game 3.

During the first five seasons the team has been in Connecticut, the Sun have achieved the highest winning record of any team in the WNBA during that time period, posting a record of 106-64, translating into a winning percentage of .624. That success has reflected itself in the team's attendance, which has risen each and every year, surging from 6,025 in 2003 to 7,970 in 2007.

However, the team remains without a championship. During the 2007-08 off-season, the Connecticut Sun made some major changes to their roster in an effort to win that ever-elusive crown. On February 6, 2008, the Sun lost Erika DeSouza to the Atlanta Dream in the Expansion Draft.[1] On February 19, 2008, the Sun traded Katie Douglas to the Indiana Fever for Tamika Whitmore, the 12th pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft and the rights to Jessica Foley.[2] On March 6, 2008, the Sun traded Megan Mahoney to the Houston Comets in exchange for former University of Connecticut standout Barbara Turner.[3] On March 7, 2008, the Sun signed two-time French League MVP Sandrine Gruda, the Sun's 2007 first-round draft pick, to a three-year contract.[4] On March 10, 2008, the Phoenix Mercury signed Le'Coe Willingham to a two-year contract after the Sun declined to match Phoenix's offer.[5] The next day, it was announced that Nykesha Sales will sit out the 2008 season due to multiple nagging injuries.[6] On March 14, 2008, the Sun traded Kristen Rasmussen to the Minnesota Lynx for yet another former University of Connecticut standout, Tamika (Williams) Raymond.[7]

On April 9, 2008, the Connecticut Sun selected Amber Holt with the 9th pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft, UConn standout Ketia Swanier with the 12th pick, Jolene Anderson with the 23rd pick, and Lauren Ervin with the 37th pick. By May 7, 2008, the Connecticut Sun had also signed Kerri Gardin and Danielle Page to free agent contracts. When the season started, second year guard Kamesha Hairston remained on the inactive list due to injury. By the middle of the season, Cori Chambers and Hairston were waived. When center Sandrine Gruda reported to the team before the start of game four, Page was moved to the inactive list.

The Connecticut Sun would start the 2008 season as a rebuilding year. Most sports critics and publications predicted the Sun to finish fourth in the East. Some even claimed the Sun would finish sixth, only ahead of the expansion Atlanta Dream. Contrary to these predictions, the Sun started the season with an outstanding 8-1 record. Soon, however, the team found itself in a disappointing slump. The Sun went on a five-game losing streak, the worst ever for a team under Mike Thibault. The team would finish the first part of the season on a three game winning streak, posting an overall record of 16-10 going into the Olympic Break. They would be in first place in the Eastern Conference, a half game ahead of conference rivals Detroit Shock and New York Liberty.

During the Olympic Break, the Sun players practiced with Assistant Coaches Scott Hawk and Bernadette Mattox while Head Coach Mike Thibault was away in Beijing. Erin Phillips, who sat out the beginning of the season to train with the Australian National Team, joined the Sun for the playoff run. Former University of Connecticut star Svetlana Abrosimova also signed with the Sun over the break.

File:ArenaatMoheganSun.jpg
Mohegan Sun Arena before a Sun game.

Current Home

The Connecticut Sun currently play in the Mohegan Sun Arena. The Arena is located at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Arena has been recognized as one of the best sports and entertainment venues in the country. Compared to other arenas played at by teams in the WNBA, Mohegan Sun Arena is small. The maximum capacity in the entire arena (lower and upper levels) for a basketball game is 9,518. The Arena is known for its brightness and excellent acoustics.

The Mohegan Sun Arena is located in the middle of the mall area of the Mohegan Sun Casino. Due to this placement, Sun fans take advantage of the restaurants and shops in the casino before and after games. Frequently, Sun and opposing players can be found eating in restaurants after games. Opposing teams stay in the hotel at the casino and are often seen walking from the arena to the lobby.

File:SunUniforms.JPG

Uniforms

  • 2008 - Present: For home games, white with word "Connecticut" printed vertically on the sides and Sun logo text on the chest. For away games, blue with word "Sun" printed vertically on the sides and gold "Connecticut" text on the chest. The Sun logo is on the shorts.
  • 2007: For home games, white with images of basic suns on the sides and Sun logo text on the chest. For away games, blue with images of basic suns on the sides and gold Sun logo text on the chest. The Sun logo is on the shorts.
  • 2004 - 2006: For home games, white with sun red on the sides and red Sun logo text on the chest. For away games, blue with sun red with gold trim on the sides and gold Sun logo text on the chest. The Sun logo is on the shorts.
  • 2003: For home games, white with sun red on the sides and red Sun logo text on the chest. For away games, pure red with gold trim on the sides and gold Sun logo text on the chest. The Sun logo is on the shorts.
  • 1999 - 2002: For home games, white with blue on the sides and shoulders and white Miracle logo text on the chest. For away games, blue with white on the sides and white Miracle logo text on the chest. The Miracle logo is on the shorts.

Season-by-season records

Note: W = wins, L = losses, % = win–loss %

Season W L % Playoffs Results
Orlando Miracle
1999 15 17 .469
2000 16 16 .500 Lost First Round Cleveland 2, Orlando 1
2001 13 19 .406
2002 16 16 .500
Connecticut Sun
2003 18 16 .529 Won First Round
Lost Conference Finals		 Connecticut 2, Charlotte 0
Detroit 2, Connecticut 0
2004 18 16 .529 Won First Round
Won Conference Finals
Lost WNBA Finals		 Connecticut 2, Washington 1
Connecticut 2, New York 0
Seattle 2, Connecticut 1
2005 26 8 .765 Won First Round
Won Conference Finals
Lost WNBA Finals		 Connecticut 2, Detroit 0
Connecticut 2, Indiana 0
Sacramento 3, Connecticut 1
2006 26 8 .765 Won First Round
Lost Conference Finals		 Connecticut 2, Washington 0
Detroit 2, Connecticut 1
2007 18 16 .529 Lost First Round Indiana 2, Connecticut 1
2008 20 10 .667
Totals 186 142 .567
Playoffs 17 14 .548

Stats updated September 6 2008

Players

Current Roster

Hall of Famers

none

Retired Numbers

none

Former Players

Playing in at least 25 games Template:Multicol

Template:Multicol-break

Template:Multicol-end

Coaches

Head Coaches:

Assistant Coaches:

Media Coverage

During the 2008 season, select Connecticut Sun games will be broadcast on WCTX (MyTV9). Eight games throughout the season (four home, four away) were selected to be broadcast. More often than not, NBA TV will pick up the feed from the local broadcast. Broadcasters for Connecticut Sun games include: Bob Heussler, Mike Gorman, Rebecca Lobo, Leah Secondo, and Kara Wolters. The Connecticut Sun have reached a multi-year agreement with WCTX (MyTV9).

Some games are also broadcast nationally. Three games were scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN2 and three games were scheduled to be broadcast on ABC.

Trivia

  • In 2006, all five starters for the Connecticut Sun were named to the WNBA Eastern Conference All-Star team: Katie Douglas, Margo Dydek, Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Nykesha Sales, and Lindsay Whalen. This feat had never before been achieved in WNBA history.
  • The broadcaster for the Connecticut Sun is Bob Heussler, who also works at WFAN.
  • All members of the Connecticut Sun organization are considered employees of the casino and as such are unable to partake in any of the games of chance offered there.

All-Time Notes

Draft Picks

Current WNBA players are in italics.

  • 1999 Expansion Draft: Andrea Congreaves (2), Kisha Ford (4), Yolanda Moore (6), Adrienne Johnson (8)
  • 1999 WNBA Draft: Tari Phillips (8), Sheri Sam (20), Taj McWilliams-Franklin (32), Carla McGhee (44), Elaine Powell (50)
  • 2000 WNBA Draft: Cintia dos Santos (4), Jannon Roland (20), Shawnetta Stewart (36), Romona Hanzova (52)
  • 2001 WNBA Draft: Katie Douglas (10), Brooke Wyckoff (26), Jaclyn Johnson (42), Anne Thorius (58)
  • 2002 WNBA Draft: Davalyn Cunningham (23), Saundra Jackson (39), Tomeka Brown (55)
  • 2003 Dispersal Draft: Debbie Black (6)
  • 2003 WNBA Draft: Courtney Coleman (13), Lindsey Wilson (34)
  • 2004 WNBA Draft: Lindsay Whalen (4), Jessica Brungo (16), Ugo Oha (24), Candace Futrell (29)
  • 2005 WNBA Draft: Katie Feenstra (8), Erin Phillips (21), Megan Mahoney (34)
  • 2006 WNBA Draft: Debbie Merrill (28), Marita Payne (42)
  • 2007 WNBA Draft: Kamesha Hairston (12), Sandrine Gruda (13), Cori Chambers (26), Kiera Hardy (39)
  • 2008 WNBA Draft: Amber Holt (9), Ketia Swanier (12), Jolene Anderson (23), Lauren Ervin (37)

Trades

  • April 18, 2002: The Miracle acquire Clarisse Machanguana from the Charlotte Sting for the Miracle's first-round pick in the 2002 WNBA Draft.
  • July 8, 2002: The Miracle acquire Wendy Palmer from the Detroit Shock for Elaine Powell.
  • February 14, 2003: The Sun acquire Rebecca Lobo from the Houston Comets for the Sun's second round pick in the 2003 WNBA Draft.
  • January 6, 2004: The Sun trade four-time WNBA All Star point guard Shannon Johnson along with their second- and third-round picks in the 2004 WNBA Draft to the San Antonio Silver Stars for the Stars' first-, second-, and third-round picks. The Sun used the 4th pick to select Lindsay Whalen.
  • March 25, 2004: The Sun acquire Asjha Jones from the Washington Mystics for the eighth pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft in a three-way trade that also involves the Phoenix Mercury.
  • April 16, 2005: The Sun acquire Margo Dydek from the San Antonio Silver Stars in exchange for Katie Feenstra and the Sun's first-round pick in the 2006 WNBA Draft.
  • February 21, 2007: The Sun trade five-time All Star Taj McWilliams-Franklin to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for Erika DeSouza and the Sparks' first-round pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft.
  • February 19, 2008: The Sun trade Katie Douglas to the Indiana Fever for Tamika Whitmore, the rights to guard Jessica Foley and the Fever's first-round pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft.
  • March 6, 2008: The Sun trade Megan Mahoney to the Houston Comets for Barbara Turner.
  • March 14, 2008: The Sun trade Kristen Rasmussen to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for Tamika Raymond as well as the option to trade second-round picks in the 2009 WNBA Draft.

All-Stars

  • 1999: Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Shannon Johnson, Nykesha Sales
  • 2000: Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Shannon Johnson, Nykesha Sales
  • 2001: Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Nykesha Sales
  • 2002: Shannon Johnson, Nykesha Sales
  • 2003: Shannon Johnson, Nykesha Sales
  • 2004: Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Nykesha Sales, Lindsay Whalen
  • 2005: Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Nykesha Sales
  • 2006: Katie Douglas, Margo Dydek, Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Nykesha Sales, Lindsay Whalen
  • 2007: Katie Douglas, Asjha Jones
  • 2008: No All-Star Game

Honors and Awards

  • 2004 Most Improved Player: Wendy Palmer-Daniel
  • 2005 All-Defensive First Team Member: Katie Douglas
  • 2006 All-Star Game MVP: Katie Douglas
  • 2006 Coach of the Year: Mike Thibault
  • 2006 All-Defensive First Team Member: Katie Douglas
  • 2007 All-Defensive First Team Member: Katie Douglas

[8]

Attendance

Average attendance for a Sun game at Mohegan Sun Arena has grown each year since the franchise moved to Connecticut. In 2008, however, attendance was down. This could be caused by the fact that many of the favorite stars from past years were no longer on the team. Lower attendance numbers may also be a victim of high travel costs. A complete sellout (upper and lower levels) at the arena is 9,518 (used to be 9,341).

  • 2008 numbers are as of home game 15.
Year Average Per Game High Low Total for Year WNBA Game Average
2003 6,025 sellout 4,038 102,433 8,826
2004 6,707 sellout 3,846 114,017 8,589
2005 7,173 sellout 5,596 121,944 8,172
2006 7,417 sellout 6,019 126,096 7,476
2007 7,971 sellout 6,154 135,490 7,739
2008 7,556 sellout 5,245 113,343 7,956

[9]

External links

References

  1. ^ http://www.wnba.com/dream/expansion_analysis_080206.html
  2. ^ http://www.wnba.com/sun/news/sunannouncetradefeb08.html
  3. ^ http://www.wnba.com/sun/news/suntrademahoneyforturner.html
  4. ^ http://www.wnba.com/sun/news/sunsigngruda3yearcontract.html
  5. ^ http://www.courant.com/sports/basketball/sun/hc-sun0311.artmar11,0,5399532.story
  6. ^ http://www.wnba.com/sun/news/salestakeshiatus.html
  7. ^ http://www.wnba.com/sun/news/suntradefortamikaraymond.html
  8. ^ 2008 Connecticut Sun Media Guide
  9. ^ http://womensbasketballonline.com/wnba/wnbattendance.html
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