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Connecticut Sun fans are in for a bumpy ride in 2025. When it comes to this team, the only thing certain is that nothing is certain.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest questions and issues entering season:
Why did the Sun make quick cuts?
Training camp began on April 27, and the Sun already released three players: Mya Hollingshed, Abbey Hsu and Morgan Maly. Hollingshed, the 25-year-old Puerto Rican center, has yet to play in her first WNBA game despite being drafted No. 8 overall in 2022. Hsu was drafted in 2024 and has yet to play in the W as well, but she has played nine games as a pro in Belgium. Maly was cut before camp even began.
With 18 players on the training camp roster, the team could invite two more players, giving the front office and coaching staff an opportunity to get a look at additional prospects.
Is the Marina Mabrey situation settled?
Connecticut’s questionable moves also extend back into the offseason, with the Sun refusing the trade request of their sole star player, Marina Mabrey, hoping that she will be content to become the focal point of the rebuilding team.
A year ago, Mabrey was given free reign on CBK Mersin in EuroLeague Women. The team reached the competition’s semifinals, with Mabrey averaging 17.5 points and 5.3 assists per game, which placed her in the top 10 in both statistical categories. The problem with Mabrey-centric play was that she was at times forcing her shot and shooting her team out of games. That doesn’t sound like the ideal offensive approach for the Sun.
What will the final roster look like?
Outside of the lingering possibility of a move involving Mabrey, the final roster and the outlook of the team remain huge question marks.
Tina Charles will definitely stay on the team, as her veteran presence will undoubtedly help younger players. It would be great to see Yvonne Anderson, an established veteran in Europe, to get a full season in the W after playing 11 games for the Sun back in 2022. If Mabrey stays, she may play next to Jacy Sheldon, who last season started 26 games for the Dallas Wings. The Wings disappointed and the former Buckeye struggled with her shot (39 percent shooting), but after a whole season of WNBA experience, she should improve and play like she did at Ohio State.
Two first-round picks from this year’s draft, Aneesah Morrow and Saniya Rivers, should get chances to play. The same goes for rookie Kariata Diaby, the Ivorian center who averaged close to a double-double in EuroLeague Women this season. Beyond Charles and Diaby, the frontcourt is a bit overcrowded, with Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Caitlin Bickle, second-round pick Rayah Marshall and 6-foot-7 undrafted rookie Kamila Borkowska battling out for roster spots and playing time.