By Tiffany Williams –
While many may dismiss preseason games as meaningless, they hold significant value, especially for the Connecticut Sun, whose recent matchups were anything but trivial.
This isn’t simply a case of a team making minor adjustments; the Connecticut Sun has embarked on an organizational overhaul. In the span of just a few months, they’ve parted ways with their Coach of the Year, Stephanie White, and reassigned their General Manager. To invigorate the franchise, they have elevated Morgan Tuck, a promising front office talent with deep-rooted connections to the team. Following this, they appointed Rachid Meziane, an internationally esteemed coach, and assembled an entirely fresh coaching staff around him, including Roneeka Hodges, who recently basked in the glory of a championship with the Liberty.
Such drastic changes at the top usually point to one of two directions: a swift pivot towards competing for championships with fresh leadership, or a more calculated rebuild. Given that the Sun have lost all five of their starters from the previous season, the latter seems to be the case.
For the Sun, preseason games were less about the scoreboards and more about crafting a renewed team identity. With the integration of players like Marina Mabrey, Jacy Sheldon, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Tina Charles, and Rayah Marshall—along with exciting rookies such as Aneesah Morrow (when healthy) and Saniya Rivers (when available)—the stage was set for discovery and growth.
The preseason matchups against formidable opponents like the Seattle Storm and New York Liberty offered invaluable opportunities for observation. They provided insight into how quickly this new group could gel on the court, their ball movement, and their defensive strategies in transition. It was an essential time for the coaching staff to gauge player dynamics, determine who could take on playmaking responsibilities, identify emerging leaders, and spot potential breakout contributors who could earn rotation minutes.
This was also Meziane’s inaugural experience coaching in a WNBA environment, regardless of the stakes involved.
Thus, while some might glance at a preseason box score and dismiss it, these games were far from inconsequential; they represented the first true tests of a new era centered around a revamped system, a reshuffled roster, and a wholly new coaching staff. Signs of chemistry, communication, and competitiveness, even amidst a loss, could hint at whether the Connecticut Sun truly embraces a rebuilding phase or is quietly reloading for the future.
In their first preseason matchup, the Connecticut Sun faced off against the Seattle Storm, succumbing to a 79-59 defeat in their opening game of the 2025 season. The match marked the debut of nine players in a Sun uniform, featuring five rookies who experienced their first taste of WNBA action.
Veteran forward Tina Charles shone brightly in her return to Connecticut. She led the Sun’s scoring effort with a commendable 13 points, along with three rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks, all achieved in just 20 minutes on the court.
Haley Peters contributed significantly as well, notching 11 points, four rebounds, one assist, and two steals across 25 minutes, notably hitting three of the Sun’s five three-point field goals in a perfect 3/3 shooting display from deep. Rookie Amy Okonkwo rounded out the double-digit scoring for Connecticut, adding 10 points, four rebounds, and one assist in 16 minutes off the bench during her first preseason game.
The numbers reflected a challenging game for the Sun, who shot only 32.3% (21/65) from the floor while the Storm boasted a more efficient 48.3% (29/60). Both teams struggled from beyond the arc—Connecticut shooting 25% (5/20) and Seattle slightly better at 31.2% (5/16). The Storm dominated the glass, out rebounding the Sun 42-28, though Connecticut excelled in steals, taking the edge 14-10. Seattle also outscored the Sun in the paint, 46-28, and on the fast break, 11-6, while Connecticut managed a slight advantage in second chance points, 18-15.
In their second and final preseason matchup, the Sun bounced back with a 94-86 victory over the New York Liberty in Brooklyn, concluding the 2025 preseason with a 1-1 record as they prepared for regular-season action next Sunday.
Again, Tina Charles led the scoring for Connecticut, tallying an impressive 17 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 24 minutes. Her shooting consisted of 6/15 from the field and a perfect 4/4 from the free-throw line. Jacy Sheldon ignited the squad in her first starting role, recording 16 points, including a notable 3/4 from three-point range.
Olivia Nelson-Ododa made her mark with 15 points, a team-high seven rebounds, one steal, and two blocks, while Marina Mabrey capped off the double-digit performances for Connecticut, contributing 13 points, three assists, and one steal in 19 minutes after missing the first preseason game.
In this matchup, the Sun demonstrated improved shooting efficiency, hitting 48.5% (32/66) from the field, while the Liberty managed a sizzling 56.9% (33/58). Both teams matched with 11 three-point field goals, but Connecticut achieved a better percentage, shooting 42.3% (11/26) compared to New York’s 47.8% (11/23).
Defensively, the Sun forced New York into 18 turnovers, translating to an impressive 29 points from those turnovers, showcasing their ability to capitalize on mistakes. Connecticut also grabbed a decisive edge in rebounding, 32-23, with both teams dishing out an equal 24 assists. In terms of second-chance opportunities, the Sun controlled the game with a dominating 23-10 advantage, ultimately sealing a promising glimpse into their potential as they prepare for the upcoming regular season.
In the Connecticut Sun’s matchup against the Seattle Storm, I saw the inevitable growing pains that accompany a new roster. The game unfolded with an expected level of disarray, as the team appeared to be still in the process of finding its rhythm and cohesion on the court. This struggle noticeably impacted both their offensive flow and defensive consistency.
Their shooting performance, a stark 32.3% from the field and a mere 25% from beyond the arc, underscored the timing issues, spacing breakdowns, and an overall lack of fluidity. Tina Charles stood out with a commendable 13 points, but the offensive output behind her was limited, showing a pressing need for better balance.
Despite the loss, the Sun managed to force 14 steals, showcasing their potential to be disruptive on the defensive end. This defensive edge will be crucial for keeping games competitive during those inevitable stretches when offensive performance falters.
However, being outrebounded by 14 (42-28) is a glaring red flag, especially as the team strives to establish a strong identity during a rebuilding phase. To sustainably compete, Connecticut must enhance its presence on the boards.
In their second preseason matchup against the New York Liberty, a remarkable transformation in offensive cohesion was apparent. The contrast in efficiency was startling; the Sun shot an impressive 48.5% overall and 42.3% from three-point range, reflecting improved ball movement, shot selection, and offensive confidence. They recorded 24 assists in this game, signaling the developing chemistry among the players.
Tina Charles once again led the way with 17 points, demonstrating that she is not just a veteran presence but a pivotal player on both ends of the court. The contributions from Jacy Sheldon and Marina Mabrey provided the team with much-needed scoring and spacing, while Olivia Nelson-Ododa particularly emerged as someone poised for a breakout season.
Forcing 18 turnovers and translating those mistakes into 29 points underscored the Sun’s defensive potential. This aggressive, opportunistic style of play could very well become their defining characteristic moving forward.
Four players scored in double figures, revealing the Sun’s capability to compete fiercely against one of the league’s most talented lineups. This performance undoubtedly serves as a significant confidence booster.
In a game where they lost the battle in the paint, the Sun still excelled in outstanding rebounding, dominating second-chance points (23-10) and fast-break points (15-4). These statistics are indicative of a winning formula, showcasing their ability to control the tempo and momentum.
From both preseason contests, I genuinely feel a sense of optimism as the Connecticut Sun navigate into the 2025 season.
Tina Charles appears to be not only elite but also invaluable. Her performance is marked by efficiency, mobility, rim protection, and leadership, providing the Sun with a stabilizing presence on both sides of the court.
Jacy Sheldon, Marina Mabrey, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, and Amy Okonkwo each displayed breakout stretches that hint at the real depth of this team. These are the types of players who can swing close games decisively in favor of the Sun.
The progression from the first game to the second illustrated tangible growth. The players seem to be absorbing lessons quickly and adapting under the strategic guidance of the coaching staff.
Two critical observations from their preseason games that I liked are their establishing a defensive identity and their evident mental resilience.
Both games showcased a commendable commitment to tenacious defense, an eagerness to disrupt passing lanes, and a relentless pursuit of turnovers. This level of effort and collective buy-in forms the foundation of a team still working to refine its offensive capabilities.
After a challenging opener, the Sun responded remarkably against a title contender, demonstrating significant character within the locker room and clear direction from head coach Rachid Meziane and his staff.