UConn Grads in the WNBA
The University of Connecticut (UConn) has a long history of success in women’s basketball, and many of its alumni have gone on to play in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). UConn has had a significant impact on the WNBA with numerous graduates playing in the league since its inaugural season in 1997. In this article, we’ll take a look at how many UConn grads are currently in the WNBA and some of the most notable alumni who have played in the league.
UConn’s Impact on the WNBA
UConn is widely regarded as one of the top women’s basketball programs in the country and has consistently produced some of the best players in the game. UConn has won 11 national championships since its first title win in 1995, and the program has been a huge contributor to the WNBA.
Since its inception in 1997, UConn has had over 100 players drafted into the WNBA. Of those players, 34 have gone on to play in the WNBA, making UConn one of the most represented universities in the league.
How Many UConn Grads Are in the WNBA?
As of the 2020-21 season, there are currently 15 UConn grads playing in the WNBA. This list includes some of the most recognizable names in the league, such as Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi.
Notable UConn Alumni in the WNBA
Below is a list of some of the most notable UConn alumni in the WNBA:
- Sue Bird – Bird was drafted first overall by the Seattle Storm in 2002 and has gone on to become one of the greatest players in WNBA history. She is a four-time WNBA champion and six-time All-Star, and she is the league’s all-time leader in assists.
- Breanna Stewart – Stewart was the first overall pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft by the Seattle Storm. She is a three-time WNBA champion and four-time All-Star, and she was named WNBA MVP in 2018.
- Diana Taurasi – Taurasi was the first overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury. She is a four-time WNBA champion and nine-time All-Star, and she is the all-time leader in career points in the WNBA.
- Maya Moore – Moore was the first overall pick in the 2011 WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx. She is a four-time WNBA champion and six-time All-Star, and she was named WNBA MVP in 2014.
- Tina Charles – Charles was the first overall pick in the 2010 WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun. She is a two-time WNBA champion and seven-time All-Star, and she was named WNBA MVP in 2012.
- Katie Smith – Smith was the first overall pick in the 1999 WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx. She is a two-time WNBA champion and seven-time All-Star, and she is the all-time leader in career 3-pointers in the WNBA.
- Renee Montgomery – Montgomery was the fourth overall pick in the 2009 WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx. She is a two-time WNBA champion and four-time All-Star, and she was named WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year in 2011.
- Kara Wolters – Wolters was the sixth overall pick in the 1997 WNBA Draft by the Houston Comets. She is a one-time WNBA champion and two-time All-Star, and she was named WNBA Most Improved Player in 1999.
- Nykesha Sales – Sales was the eighth overall pick in the 1998 WNBA Draft by the Orlando Miracle. She is a one-time WNBA champion and two-time All-Star, and she was named WNBA All-Star Game MVP in 2002.
UConn’s Impact on the WNBA Draft
UConn has had a significant impact on the WNBA Draft, as the university has had more first overall picks than any other school. UConn has had five players selected first overall in the WNBA Draft, including Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Tina Charles, and Sue Bird.
UConn has also had the most players selected in the first round of the WNBA Draft, with 27 players taken in the first round since 1997. The school has also had the most players selected overall in the draft, with a total of 98 players taken since 1997.
UConn’s Impact on the WNBA Championship
UConn’s impact on the WNBA extends beyond the draft, as the school has had a major impact on the league’s championship as well. UConn alumni have been a big part of the WNBA’s championship runs, with many of the league’s most successful teams being led by UConn graduates.
UConn players have been a part of 11 WNBA championships since 1997, with the most recent title win coming in 2020 when the Seattle Storm won the WNBA Finals. UConn alumni have also been named WNBA Finals MVP seven times, with Sue Bird being the most recent winner in 2020.
UConn’s Impact on the WNBA All-Star Game
UConn has also had a major impact on the WNBA All-Star Game, as the school has had more players selected to the All-Star Game than any other school. UConn alumni have been selected a total of 44 times to the All-Star Game, with Sue Bird leading the way with 11 selections.
UConn alumni have also been named All-Star Game MVP on four occasions, with Tina Charles, Maya Moore, Diana Taurasi, and Breanna Stewart each winning the award. In addition, UConn players have won the WNBA All-Star Weekend Three-Point Contest four times, with Renee Montgomery, Diana Taurasi, and Maya Moore each taking home the title.
UConn’s Impact on the WNBA Awards
UConn has also had a significant impact on the WNBA awards, as the school has had multiple recipients of the WNBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year, and WNBA Most Improved Player awards.
UConn alumni have won the WNBA MVP award four times, with Breanna Stewart, Maya Moore, Diana Taurasi, and Tina Charles each being named the league’s top player. UConn players have also won the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year award twice, with Renee Montgomery and Katie Smith each taking home the award. In addition, UConn players have won the WNBA Most Improved Player award three times, with Nykesha Sales, Kara Wolters, and Renee Montgomery each winning the award.
Conclusion
The University of Connecticut has had a significant impact on the WNBA since its inaugural season in 1997. UConn has had over 100 players drafted into the WNBA, and 34 of those players have gone on to play in the league. As of the 2020-21 season, there are currently 15 UConn grads playing in the WNBA, which includes some of the most recognizable names in the league.
UConn’s impact on the WNBA extends beyond the players, as the school has had a major impact on the WNBA Draft, the WNBA Championship, the WNBA All-Star Game, and the WNBA awards. UConn has had more first overall picks than any other school, and its players have been a part of 11 WNBA championships since 1997. UConn alumni have also been selected to the All-Star Game 44 times and have won the WNBA MVP, WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year, and WNBA Most Improved Player awards multiple times.
UConn’s impact on the WNBA has been undeniable, and the school’s alumni have had a major impact on the league’s success.