Last Updated on July 15, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
| Player Name | Role Tier | MPG | Usage Tier | PPG | RPG | APG | STK (SPG + BPG) | Impact Index | Notes | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asjha Jones | Starter/Star (1.1) | 31.6 | High (1.2) | 16.7 | 5.9 | 2.4 | 1.5 | 69.17 | Connecticut’s offense revolved around Jones’ polished mid-post game, with opposing defenses regularly sending extra help to limit her touches. Associated Press coverage and midseason features frequently described her as the Sun’s steadiest scorer and emotional anchor during an injury-filled campaign that never found consistent rhythm. (The Washington Post) | WNBA All-Star (2009); WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week (2009) |
| Lindsay Whalen | Starter/Star (1.1) | 29.4 | High (1.2) | 12.3 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 1.4 | 60.19 | Whalen remained the engine of Mike Thibault’s offense, constantly balancing tempo with half-court organization. Independent game coverage often pointed to her ability to control fourth quarters even when Connecticut struggled to score efficiently around her. (The Washington Post) | None |
| Sandrine Gruda | Starter/Star (1.1) | 31.2 | High (1.2) | 13.5 | 6.3 | 1.3 | 2.5 | 61.51 | Gruda took a significant step forward, giving the Sun a true interior presence with her length and soft touch around the rim. Contemporary reporting increasingly viewed her as one of the league’s emerging young posts, particularly after several standout performances in August. (Wikipedia) | WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week (2009) |
| Anete Jekabsone-Zogota | Key Contributor (1.05) | 23.9 | Medium (1.1) | 9.4 | 2.9 | 2.2 | 0.3 | 34.65 | Operating primarily as a floor-spacing wing, Jekabsone-Zogota supplied perimeter shooting that opened driving lanes for Whalen. Independent coverage regularly highlighted her international experience and willingness to take difficult perimeter shots late in possessions. (The Washington Post) | None |
| Tan White | Key Contributor (1.05) | 22.0 | Medium (1.1) | 9.5 | 2.7 | 2.2 | 1.5 | 36.73 | White brought instant offense and athleticism to the wing rotation, thriving when she attacked early in the shot clock instead of settling. Local and AP coverage often praised the energy she injected into lineups that otherwise leaned heavily on structured half-court execution. (The Washington Post) | None |
| Erin Phillips | Key Contributor (1.05) | 23.1 | Medium (1.1) | 8.1 | 3.2 | 2.1 | 1.4 | 34.42 | Phillips gradually earned greater responsibility as both a secondary playmaker and perimeter defender. Observers noted that her defensive instincts and willingness to guard opposing lead guards became just as valuable as her improving outside shot. (Wikipedia) | None |
| Kerri Gardin | Starter/Star (1.1) | 18.1 | Low (1.0) | 5.5 | 4.3 | 1.2 | 1.5 | 27.50 | Gardin filled an understated role built around rebounding, defensive switches and physical wing play. Her offensive opportunities were limited, but coaches continued trusting her to handle demanding defensive assignments throughout the season. (Wikipedia) | None |
| Amber Holt | Key Contributor (1.05) | 16.5 | Low (1.0) | 6.0 | 3.2 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 24.36 | Holt’s second season became more about defensive versatility than scoring consistency. Independent reporting suggested the coaching staff valued her effort and positional flexibility even while her jumper remained streaky. (Wikipedia) | None |
| Barbara Turner | Bench (1.0) | 20.6 | Low (1.0) | 4.0 | 2.1 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 17.60 | Turner appeared in only a handful of games before her role diminished. Contemporary independent coverage of her season was limited, with most discussion centered on roster depth rather than individual performance. | None |
| Tamika Whitmore | Bench (1.0) | 15.7 | Low (1.0) | 4.4 | 2.2 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 16.20 | Whitmore transitioned into a reserve veteran role, supplying experience and physicality whenever Connecticut needed additional frontcourt toughness. Independent reporting on her individual season was relatively limited. | None |
| Chante Black | Key Contributor (1.05) | 13.0 | Low (1.0) | 2.9 | 3.2 | 0.2 | 1.2 | 15.75 | The rookie center was used as an energy reserve whose length helped protect the rim. Most independent discussion focused on her long-term defensive upside rather than immediate offensive contributions. | WNBA All-Rookie Team (2009) |
| Kiesha Brown | Bench (1.0) | 11.6 | Low (1.0) | 3.8 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 14.00 | Brown settled into a veteran reserve guard role, spacing the floor and providing dependable minutes without needing many touches. Independent season coverage of her role was limited. | None |
| Lauren Ervin | Bench (1.0) | 7.0 | Low (1.0) | 2.0 | 1.6 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 7.40 | Ervin saw only brief opportunities as a developmental frontcourt reserve. Contemporary independent reporting specific to her rookie season was limited. | None |
| Kristi Cirone | Bench (1.0) | 5.8 | Low (1.0) | 1.8 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 9.20 | Cirone’s appearances were brief, serving mainly as backcourt depth. Independent reporting focused largely on her transition from a decorated college career rather than her limited WNBA minutes. | None |
| Connecticut Sun Totals | — | 286.5 | — | 99.9 | 41.9 | 26.5 | 14.8 | 428.68 | Connecticut relied on a balanced inside-out attack led by Asjha Jones and Lindsay Whalen, while Sandrine Gruda’s development gave the frontcourt a second reliable scoring option. Injuries and inconsistent shooting prevented sustained momentum, but the club remained competitive thanks to disciplined defense and structured half-court execution. (Wikipedia) | WNBA All-Star: Asjha Jones (2009) |