Like any team full of young athletes and newly formed, the Connecticut Sun is still looking to find which lineups work best together.
It isn’t necessarily a question of who’s most talented on the team, but whose skills fit best with one another.
There is no consistent starting five that head coach Rachid Meziane of the Connecticut Sun has used. These changes are happening for several reasons. It has been from injuries, learning new roles, and even just trying different systems.
There are two impactful players on the Sun who come to mind when thinking about role changes: center Olivia Nelson-Ododa and guard Charlisse Leger-Walker. While two different positions with different levels of experience, both of them share the experience of going in and out of the starting lineup this season.
A Leger-Walker Walk-On
Leger-Walker, coming off the championship-winning UCLA Bruins, is certainly facing a major transition into the professional league. The transition as a rookie isn’t difficult solely because of the number of losses, but also because of the switch to playing professionally.
“I think it’s a big jump in intensity,” Leger-Walker said in a one-on-one interview. “You kind of have to look after yourself in some ways, but it’s honestly been really fun.” Leger-Walker then went on to show gratitude towards the organization and the teammates she’s been able to surround herself with.
When changing up the team dynamic and trying different patterns, the benefits of not having a consistent starting five become clear. Everyone plays with everyone, and everyone’s range of skills is being played with.
One of the biggest lessons learned from this season is that not starting isn’t an issue of personal skill. Rather, seeing how different skill sets fit together, for better or worse.
That being said, Leger-Walker has already started in six of the 18 games she’s played. When given the chance to shine, she makes an immediate impact.
“I’m blessed that he has that faith in me to step out there and be an impact player for this team,” Leger-Walker said. “As a rookie and as a point guard, you have to have that leadership quality.”
Especially because this team is so young, they can’t solely rely on veterans with years and years of experience when there are young players like Leger-Walker who can step up from the get-go.
Nelson-Ododa’s Selflessness
When discussing the veterans of this team, it is essential to note the number of roles Nelson-Ododa has taken on. Although it’s only her fifth year, a young team like the Connecticut Sun automatically puts her into the leadership position.
“When you’re playing the game the right way, and you’re playing it as a team, those stats tend to come naturally,” Nelson-Ododa said in a one-on-one interview. Often, the conversation surrounding basketball centers on individual achievements, even though this team has proven it performs best as a collective.
The center also discussed how important it is not to harp on who is or isn’t in the starting lineup. Instead, just focusing on what is asked of her. Especially in the professional league, when the end goal is to win, that will ultimately come from different-looking formations sometimes.
The selflessness that lies at the heart of the Connecticut Sun focuses on team goals, not just those of individuals.
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