UNCASVILLE, Conn. (January 9, 2017) – Connecticut Sun head coach and general manager Curt Miller announced today that assistant coaches Nicki Collen and Steve Smith have signed multiple-year extensions.
As per team policy, no terms were released.
“I am excited that both Nicki and Steve have agreed to contract extensions,” Miller said. “We have formed a special friendship and coaching bond while working long hours together. Nicki is a fantastic coach who immediately connected with our players. She will continue to mentor and work with our guards while taking on additional defensive coordinator responsibilities. Steve is an extremely talented and veteran WNBA coach. He will continue to work and develop our young post unit while assisting me with our offense.”
In the backcourt, veteran point guard Jasmine Thomas had a career year in 2016 while Alex Bentley led the Sun in scoring and rookie Courtney Williams showed continual improvement. Among frontcourt personnel, Alyssa Thomas established single-season career highs across the board, Chiney Ogwumike finished the year with 17 straight double-figure scoring games and rookie Jonquel Jones emerged as a dominating young center, closing out the 2016 season with a career-high 21 points
“I am blessed to work alongside both Nicki and Steve,” Miller said. “I know it is only a matter of time before they are both running their own teams.”
The Connecticut Sun will open the 2017 season on May 13th, hosting the Atlanta Dream at Mohegan Sun Arena at 7 p.m. Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by contacting a sales representative at 877-SUN-TIXX or tickets@connecticutsun.com or by visiting www.connecticutsun.com.