On the Beat With the Connecticut Sun 06/04/2021

The Connecticut Sun held a press session on a practice day. Head Coach Curt Miller and players Jasmine Thomas and Natisha Hiedeman took turns talking to the press.

Coach Miller started the press session and I got it off to a bit of a rocky start. In a couple weeks, the Sun will face the Chicago Sky three times in eleven days. I asked Coach Miller about playing a team that many times in a short span. I wan't necessarily talking about the Sky, but any team in general.

Coach Miller bristled a bit, stating he wasn't looking that far ahead. He was only focused on the upcoming game with the New York Liberty. He then did answer the question, giving real insight, exactly what I wanted.

Usually on sessions not on game days, the questions are a bit looser and more general. Some reporters even go for silly or humorous. I was genuinely curious about laying a team that much in a compact time period. In all fairness, Coach Miller did ultimately give an excellent answer, one I wasn't even considering. 

For the rest of Coach Miller's session, he gave a scouting report on the Liberty. After Coach Miller, Thomas and Hiedeman also gave their thoughts on the Liberty. The trio gave interesting takes on the Liberty and the league in general.

I asked Thomas about the Sun being ranked second in some power rankings. I wanted ti know if that stuff means anything to players. Do they care at all abou those rankings? Thomas gave a classic answer.

Lastly, I asked Hiedeman about her time as the tam veteran early in the preseason. Hiedeman talked about how that experience helped her development. I'm sure it isn't the sole factor, but Hiedeman is having her best season.

The Sun are 7-2, coming off a Tuesday 74-67 win over the Las Vegas Aces. Today, the Sun host the New York Liberty, who are 5-3 and a much-improved team from last season. NY's Sabrina Ionescu isn't a one-person show, but she is a difference-maker.

The Sun come into the game as 9.5 point favorites. I think it will be closer than that, but the Sun will win. I am calling for an 85-80 Sun victor

The interview session can be found at On the Beat With the Connecticut Sun 06/04/2021. Check back here for my recurring coverage of the WNBA.

On the Beat With the Connecticut Sun 09/29/20

The Connecticut Sun lost 66-63 to the Las Vegas Aces in Game 5 of the WNBA Semi-Finals. Despite the loss ending the season for the Sun, it does not diminish what the team accomplished all season.

The Sun finished their season 10-12, good for 2nd place, behind the Chicago Sky (12-10) in the Eastern Conference. The Sun started 0-5, then 1-6, before winning 9 of their final 15 to clinch a 7th seed in the WNBA playoffs.

In the post-game presser, Coach Curt Miller and players Alyssa Thomas, Jasmine Thomas and DeWanna Bonner talked about the team, the season and the fans. They were obviously and understandably disappointed, but they were positive about the season and the future. They were a classy bunch all season right to the end.

In a season away from their home, secluded in Florida, filled with pandemic worries and social issues, the Sun pulled together and had an exciting season. They should be proud of their efforts and achievements.

I want to thank Coach Miler, the players, the entire organization and especially PR Manager Annette Hogan for the access all season. It was a lot of fun covering this team.

Go to WNBA.com for more info on the league, the teams and the players. Check here, GlobalTravelerUSA.com and GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com for more coverage.

On the Beat With the Connecticut Sun 09/16/20

I am a little behind with this Connecticut Sun media session, but it is still relevant. Prior to their victory over the Los Angeles Sparks last Thursday, Coach Curt Miller and players Natisha Hiedeman, Briann January and Jasmine Thomas took questions from the press.

The Sun finished the season 10-12 good for second place behind the Chicago Sky in the Eastern Conference and also for the 7th seed in the overall playoff seeding. Last Tuesday, the Sun beat the Sky 94-81, thanks in large part to outscoring the Sky by 16 in the third quarter. The team seems to be embracing the underdog role and having fun.

Coach Miller talked about the practices leading to the game. He joked about his role as a "passing" using his "passing skills," which was funny especially considering the three players after him are guards. I think it show that the Sun is loose and having fun.

Thomas talked about the mood of the team. She went on to say nothing has really changed in practices. The whole season was preparation for this.

Hiedeman talked about the good vibe of the team, being happy with her productivity in her short time on the court and her music. Of course, I had to ask her about her music. While nothing new is out right now, "Rocket," her last song, was released about a month ago and is available on all platforms.

When January joined the session, I switched gars and asked about Zoom media session with reporters from all over, as opposed to the usual sessions with the local crew. I've wondered about this all season and this seemed like the perfect time to ask, considering it was a very loose session.

It's interesting that this media time was very loose. The Sun had beaten the Sky and were about to face the Sparks. The team was not showing any signs of pressure and that starts with the coach.

Fun seemed to be the theme this day, even for reporters. It wasn't recorded, but prior to the team joining the sessions, Sun Public Relations Specialist Annette Hogan joked about having the most fun media sessions and the reporters completely agreed. That was followed by one reporter playing fun music including the Sesame Street theme. It was an interesting experience, which probably doesn't translate greatly here, but it was one of those moments which will stand out. We were like old friends hanging out on a porch.

The Sun went on to beat the Sparks 73-59 to advance to the next round of the playoffs. On Sunday, The Sun beat the Las Vegas Aces 87-62 in Game One of the series.

Go to WNBA.com for more info. Also, check here, GlobalTravelerUSA.com and GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com for my recurring coverage.

On the Beat With Connecticut Sun 07/30/20

At 0-3, the Connecticut Sun are having a rough start to the season. The team is staying positive though as it continues to gel and find the right combination to win. Their next game is Saturday against the Minnesota Lynx, who are 2-1.

Prior to yesterday's game against the Los Angeles Sparks, Jasmine Thomas and Jacki Gemelos took part in a media session. Thomas talked about adjusting to the quick turn-around, while Gemelos discussed the differences between playing in Europe and the WNBA.

Then the session talk turned to food, as I asked Gemelos about her favorite Greek dish. It was a lot of fun hearing her answers and also her non-Greek favorite of Portillo's. I sent the video link to Portillo's and suggested they send Gemelos some food. We'll see if anything comes of it and I will report it here if it does.

Thomas starred at Duke and was selected by the Seattle Storm in the first round of the 2011 WNBA draft. Prior to her rookie season, she was traded to the Washington Mystics on a three team deal. She played with the Mystics for two seasons, before being traded to the Atlanta Dream. She played with the Dream for two seasons, before being trade to the Connecticut Sun.

In her WNBA career, she has played 334 games, averaging 9.5 points, 3.6 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.9 rebounds per game.He was named to the WNBA All-Defensive First team three times.

Gemelos played college ball at USC, before the Lynx selected her in the third round of the 2012 WNBA draft, but did not make the team. She played overseas, but resurfaced in the WNBA with the Chicago Sky in 2015. Gemelos played 17 games for the Sky and went back overseas to play 2016-2019. She signed with the Sun for the 2020 season.

The fact that Gemelos has made it back to the WNBA or even that she is still playing anywhere is testament to her determination and talent. She has endured five ACL tears and eight knee surgeries, dating back to her high school years. Her story is truly inspirational.

Check out Jacki at JackiGemelos.com. Go to WNBA.com for more info on the league. Check here and GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com for recurring coverage.

On the Beat With the Connecticut Sun

Yesterday, I featured Media Day with the WNBA Phoenix Mercury. Today, I am going across the country to the Connecticut Sun Media Day, but it actually took place at the same location in Florida, since all the teams are there. Players Jasmine Thomas, Beatrice Mompremier and Coach Curt Miller fielded questions from reporters from all over the country.

Thomas talked about playing in the new environment, saying she has previously played in similar situations. It won't be a major factor for her (or at least not one she will show). She also mentioned not missing the travel. Coach Miller talked about the potential different mental preparation.

I thank the Sun organization for the opportunity to be a part of Media Day. I thank the players and Coach Miller for their time and consideration. Check out Connecticut Sun for more info on the team and the WNBA.