WNBA Connecticut Sun

Sun Make Tina Charles First Pick In WNBA Draft

Published on April 8, 2010 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Connecticut Sun News Release


UNCASVILLE, Conn. (April 8, 2010) - The Connecticut Sun used the first No. 1 pick in franchise history to select 6-foot-4 center Tina Charles of UConn during the 2010 WNBA Draft on Thursday afternoon.

The 2010 Naismith Trophy recipient as well as the Associated Press and USBWA Player of the Year, Charles anchored consecutive undefeated NCAA National Championship teams at UConn, completing her storied career as the all-time leading scorer (2,346 points) and rebounder (1,367) in program history. On Tuesday night in San Antonio, Charles finished with nine points, 11 rebounds and six blocks as the Huskies defeated Stanford, 53-47, for the National Championship.

"We felt, if we had stayed (with the number two pick), surprising to most people, I don't know if we would have taken a post player," Coach Mike Thibault said, explaining the importance of the trade that allowed the Sun to obtain the first pick in the draft. "Maybe we would have, but there would have been some other players to consider. It was clear to us that Tina was a step above everybody else. In this offseason, where we've had - for the first time - a chance to completely alter the landscape of our franchise, we felt it was important to do everything we could to get that pick. It kind of went with everything else we were trying to do."

Charles will be reunited with former UConn teammate Renee Montgomery, who was traded to the Connecticut Sun along with the No. 1 pick in the 2010 draft in exchange for All Star point guard Lindsay Whalen and the No. 2 pick.

"We are very excited, not just to have the No. 1 pick, but to have that pick be Tina Charles," Connecticut Sun Vice President and General Manager Chris Sienko said. "It just sweetens the deal because our fans will instantly connect with her, and continue to see Tina grow and mature as a professional athlete here in Connecticut."

The Connecticut Sun will open the 2010 season by hosting the Chicago Sky on May 15th at Mohegan Sun

Arena. Connecticut Sun season tickets and mini plans are on sale and can be reserved by calling a Sun Ticket Sales Representative at 1.877.SUN.TIXX, e-mailing the Sun at tickets@connecticutsun.com or visiting www.connecticutsun.com.

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