Latest news with #BriaHartley
Associated Press
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Bueckers is triumphant in return to Connecticut, leading Wings past the Sun for 1st win of season
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — Paige Bueckers had a triumphant return to Connecticut by scoring a career-best 21 points as Dallas won its first game of the season, beating the Sun 109-87 on Tuesday night. Bueckers, the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, shot 8 for 10 from the field and finished with seven assists and five rebounds. Bueckers remained perfect at Mohegan Sun Arena, where the Sun play their home games. She went 15-0 at the building in college while playing for UConn, including winning four Big East championships with the Huskies. Many of her former teammates were in attendance Tuesday night. She received a loud ovation from the sellout crowd when introduced before the game, and many fans were wearing her No. 5 jersey from UConn and Dallas. Bueckers got Dallas (1-4) going early with seven points and four assists in the opening quarter as she was aggressively attacking for baskets or finding opening teammates. Connecticut (0-5) led by one at the end of the first quarter, however, thanks to the play of Bria Hartley and Tina Charles. Dallas took over behind Bueckers in the second and led 56-42 at the half. Arike Ogunbowale took over in the third quarter, scoring 15 points in the period after having only two in the first half. She helped the Wings build their lead to 88-74 heading into the final period. Connecticut never threatened after that, and Bueckers left for good with just over four minutes left in the game. Tina Charles led the Sun with 27 points and Marina Mabrey added 19. The game also marked the return of former Sun players DiJonai Carrington and Ty Harris, who were traded to the Wings in the offseason. The two received a warm ovation from the crowd when they were introduced before the game and a welcome back video played on the scoreboard. Carrington finished with 16 points and Harris was scoreless, but had three assists. ___ AP WNBA:
Reuters
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
G Bria Hartley to attempt WNBA comeback with Sun
May 11 - Former UConn star Bria Hartley will attempt a return to the WNBA after signing a training camp contract with the Connecticut Sun on Sunday. The signing comes one week before the start of the regular season, with the Sun set to open their schedule next Sunday at home against the Washington Mystics. The No. 7 overall draft pick in 2014, the 33-year-old played for both the Sun and Mystics among five teams in nine seasons in the league. Her last WNBA season was in 2022 when she played a combined 13 games for the Indiana Fever and Sun. In 207 career WNBA games (99 starts), Hartley averaged 7.9 points with 2.6 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game. She finished third in Sixth Woman of the Year voting during 2020 season with the Phoenix Mercury. The 5-foot-8 guard most recently played in the Turkish Women's Basketball Super League during the 2023-24 season, while also spending time with the Athletes Unlimited basketball league. --Field Level Media
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former UConn Player Returns to WNBA After 3 Long Years
The WNBA regular season is right around the corner, and teams are finalizing their rosters for what they hope will be a successful 2025 campaign. Preseason games have offered early insight into team dynamics, though injuries have already started to impact depth charts. These developments have opened the door for late training camp opportunities —something 32-year-old Bria Hartley didn't expect but is now embracing. The veteran guard, who entered the WNBA in 2014, has had a long and winding career. At 5-foot-8, Hartley brings experience, resilience and leadership to the court. Advertisement The Connecticut Sun announced they've signed Hartley to a training camp contract. While it doesn't guarantee a spot on the final roster, it does give her the chance to prove she still belongs. "Welcome back to Connecticut." "We have signed Bria Hartley to training camp contract." Hartley will need to make an impression quickly, as the Sun recently wrapped up their preseason schedule with a 94-86 win over the New York Liberty on Friday. Connecticut Sun Head Coach Rachid Terada-Imagn Images A native of New York, Hartley starred at North Babylon High School before committing to Geno Auriemma's powerhouse UConn program from 2010 to 2014. She played in 153 games, averaging 13 points per game over her career. Advertisement Her senior season was her most productive, averaging 16.2 points across 40 games. She helped lead the Huskies to back-to-back NCAA titles in 2013 and 2014. She was drafted by the Seattle Storm but was immediately traded to the Washington Mystics. In her rookie year, Hartley averaged 9.7 points over 34 games and earned a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team. Hartley has since played for several WNBA teams, including the New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun, where she briefly appeared in three games during the 2022 season. She most recently played overseas with Galatasaray in the Turkish Women's Basketball Super League during the 2023-24 season. Her return to the WNBA is a testament to her determination and love for the game. Whether she makes the Sun's final roster remains to be seen, but Hartley's comeback story is already a compelling one. Advertisement Connecticut will host the Washington Mystics for their 2025 season opener on Sunday, May 18. Related: Caitlin Clark Sends Message to Former Teammate After Heartbreaking News Related: Paige Bueckers' Insane Pass to WNBA Star Left Fans in Disbelief
