Last Updated on August 13, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The Connecticut Sun 2009 featured a balanced offense led by Asjha Jones, Tan White, and Lindsay Whalen, with Whalen serving as the primary playmaker and Jones providing steady frontcourt production. Sandrine Gruda added interior scoring and rebounding, while Anete Jēkabsone-Žogota supplied perimeter shooting. The Sun relied on balanced contributions rather than a single dominant scorer, pairing solid rebounding with respectable defense, although their offensive efficiency was inconsistent overall.

NO. PLAYER POS HT WT DOB COLLEGE
0 Tamika Whitmore F 6-2 215 June 5, 1977 Memphis
1 Amber Holt F 6-0 170 June 7, 1985 Middle Tennessee
4 Kiesha Brown G 5-10 134 January 13, 1979 Georgia
7 Sandrine Gruda F-C 6-4 185 June 25, 1987
10 Anete Jekabsone-Zogota G 5-9 167 August 12, 1983
13 Lindsay Whalen G 5-9 170 May 9, 1982 Minnesota
15 Asjha Jones F 6-2 187 August 1, 1980 UConn
20 Tan White G 5-7 154 September 27, 1982 Mississippi State
22 Barbara Turner G-F 5-10 182 June 8, 1984 UConn
25 Kristi Cirone G 5-8 136 May 19, 1987 Illinois State
31 Erin Phillips G 5-8 165 May 19, 1985
33 Chante Black C 6-5 188 November 12, 1985 Duke
41 Kerri Gardin F 6-1 168 May 19, 1984 Virginia Tech
44 Lauren Ervin F 6-3 171 March 24, 1985 Arkansas

HeatingUp Impact Index: Team Impact Spotlight

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)