One of the biggest questions to come into the Connecticut Sun conversation: Why wasn’t forward Aneesah Morrow seen more in the starting lineup? After starting in 23 games during her rookie season, and having to step up even more this season after Marina Mabrey went to the Toronto Tempo, fans were at a loss.
Second-Year Beginnings
Morrow was certainly not off to a rough start — even if she wasn’t in the starting lineup as often. The forward is averaging 12 points and 10.1 rebounds in ten games played.
Despite only starting in four games this season, Morrow has already recorded seven double-doubles. The forward’s nickname of a “walking double-double” that started during her time at LSU is still well in effect.
As the second-youngest team in the entire league, the Sun are a squad that is constantly rotating. They know they are a team where players have to step into different roles. Sometimes the most important roles aren’t those in the starting lineup.
A team with new faces like Connecticut is still working to find the best combinations to make the best team rhythm overall.
Finding that team rhythm also comes with finding that team chemistry, something that guard Saniya Rivers expanded on earlier in the season.
“We’re just a very unselfish bunch,” Rivers said in a post-game press conference. “I don’t really think it matters if we’re starting or if we’re coming off the bench. I think all of us just want to win in the end, and as long as there are five players on the court and the rest are over there cheering, I don’t think it really matters to us. I think we’re all a strong, mentally balanced team, so I think we’re all just ready when our numbers are called”.
The jersey number “24” has certainly been called up a lot this season. It particularly happens from the bench or in front of cheering fans when the emcee announces “Aneesah Morrow.”
On the Up and Up
Unfortunately for Morrow, in her second start against the Seattle Storm on May 20, she left after seven minutes with an injury.
Despite the obstacle, her four games following only went upwards. Her best performance of the season, which consisted of 13 points and 13 rebounds, came from her starting role. This game was one of her longest times on the court, recording 29 impactful minutes.
Looking Ahead
It may be some time until Morrow becomes a staple for the Connecticut Sun’s starting lineup this season. But she has no doubt proven she can deliver no matter where she’s coming from. Morrow is the prime example of what it means to be versatile. Whether a backup or a starter, you can rely on her.
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