There's a new energy brewing in Connecticut, and it's being led by the "young and fresh" faces of the Sun. That's exactly how Head Coach Rachid Meziane described his roster this season, as the team navigates a transitional period without some of its biggest veteran stars.
The biggest question mark heading into the season surrounded Tina Charles. The powerhouse center wasn't named to the training camp roster, and on May 5, the 15-year WNBA veteran announced her retirement on social media. "I've experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows," Charles wrote. "Through it all, I learned how to show up." Her departure left a massive void—both on the court and in the locker room.
Enter Brittney Griner. The veteran presence of "BG" has been invaluable for a roster leaning heavily on youth. "I love BG," said Sun forward Aaliyah Edwards. "I love her energy, her pursuit [of greatness], and how she carries herself on and off the court. Learning alongside her is super fun." But even Griner's leadership couldn't prevent the next challenge: a left foot injury that sidelined her for Wednesday night's game against the Las Vegas Aces.
With Griner out, the spotlight shifted to the team's rising stars—and no one has seized the moment quite like Aneesah Morrow. The second-year forward has seen her minutes skyrocket early this season. After averaging 18.9 minutes, 7.7 points, and 6.9 rebounds as a rookie, Morrow is now logging 26.7 minutes per game while posting impressive averages of 16.0 points and 11.0 rebounds through the first three contests. She followed that up Friday night with 10 points and nine boards—just one rebound shy of a third straight double-double.
Nicknamed a "walking double-double" during her standout career at LSU, Morrow is proving that label translates seamlessly to the professional level. In fact, she made franchise history in the team's second game of the season, becoming the first Connecticut Sun player ever to record a double-double in under [time threshold].
As the Sun navigate their final season with a mix of veteran savvy and youthful energy, one thing is clear: the future is bright, and these young stars are ready to show up.