The Connecticut Sun started the 2017 season with four straight losses. But now, it has the third best record in the WNBA, winning 12 of 17 games since the rough start.
And the team will send three players to this Saturday’s All-Star Game in Seattle.
Last season, Jonquel Jones was 39th in the league in rebounding. After 20 games this year, she’s first. Jones averages 11 rebounds per game. And she’s more than doubled her scoring output from last season, putting up 16 per game.
Before the season even started, Jones played for Korean League champions Woori Bank. She said that players run more in that league than they do in the WNBA. And that’s made a huge difference.
“We had two practices a day and it was just all running,” said Jones. “It was a lot.”
Now, she’s starting for the East All-Stars.
“While I’m happy and I’m happy that my play has allowed me to be in consideration for it, I think just all of the little things — a lot of the people here have allowed me to get over the hump and be named a starter,” said Jones.
Teammate Jasmine Thomas will also start for the East. Alyssa Thomas will represent the Sun in the game as a reserve.
Although none of the Sun players are University of Connecticut alumnae, the 2017 WNBA All-Star features seven players that went there.