Walker to Liberty, Dangerfield to Lynx
The Story: The Huskies had two players chosen in the WNBA Draft on Friday, with Megan Walker going to the New York Liberty with the No. 9 pick and Crystal Dangerfield joining the Minnesota Lynx at No. 16.
FRESH START: Walker was one of six players drafted by New York, which took Oregon’s Sabrina Ionescu with the No. 1 pick. She’ll join former UConn players Kia Nurse and Kiah Stokes with the Liberty, who are moving from Westchester, N.Y., to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn beginning this season.
WHAT DID WALKER SAY? “[The reason why I left UConn early was] this feeling right here of achieving my dream. I’m so ecstatic, excited, to be in this position I am now. I always wanted to be in the WNBA as a kid, so now I’m finally fulfilling my dream, and I’m starting to feel the perks of it.”
STARTING CHANCE? Dangerfield, who was drafted in the second round, will compete to start in Minnesota. It’s a dream situation for the Lynx, who were linked to a point guard — potentially even Dangerfield — with the No. 6 pick but got her much later. She’ll rejoin Napheesa Collier, who was drafted by the Lynx a year ago, and potentially Maya Moore, who is again taking the season off.
WHAT DID DANGERFIELD SAY? “[I felt] just a sigh of relief. I wanted to go to a good team, and I’m confident I found that in the Lynx.”
Morning Reads
DOLSON HAD COVID-19: The disease is known to strike even the young and healthy, as former UConn standout Stefanie Dolson, now with the Chicago Sky, said she and her whole family contracted the virus. (ESPN)
COYLE TO PURDUE: Former UConn safety Tyler Coyle will be transferring to Purdue, where he will play next season as a graduate transfer. (West Lafayette Journal & Courier)
THE ROAD FROM STORRS: Nearly a dozen players have transferred from the football program since the season ended, with Coyle the third to join an FBS school. (Transfer Tracker)
