Connecticut is undergoing a rebuild. After the offseason departure of their entire starting lineup, the organization found itself with little choice but to embrace transformation. Though the Sun still boast talented veterans like Tina Charles and Marina Mabrey—who is currently sidelined with an injury—their contributions alone aren’t enough to elevate the team to competitive status. True to form, Connecticut has languished at the bottom of the league standings, with a mere three victories to their name this season.
Given this context, the team’s primary objective now shifts toward cultivation and future-readiness. The spotlight turns to developing the younger talent on the roster, grooming them to form a competitive nucleus down the line. One rookie, in particular, is emerging as a potential cornerstone for the franchise: Leila Lacan. Although Lacan has taken the court in just five games for the Sun, she’s already demonstrated flashes of high-level potential.
A Coming-Out Party for Leila Lacan
Leila Lacan has built a reputation for rising to big occasions. Her professional journey began in France back in 2022, and she quickly made her mark internationally—earning caps with the French national team at high-profile events like the 2024 Olympics and EuroBasket just a few weeks ago.
But any player will tell you that transitioning mid-season into the WNBA presents a steep learning curve. Adapting to a new system, surroundings, and the elevated pace of the game takes time. Lacan’s initial outings were relatively quiet, as she worked to find her rhythm.
That all changed in a recent performance against the Indiana Fever, when Lacan turned in what could be described as her “breakout” game. Coming off the bench, she delivered 19 points on an efficient 61.5% shooting clip, while also chipping in one rebound, one assist, and three steals. Her scoring effort was the second-highest on the team that night—an impressive feat for someone in her shoes.
Even before this game, she had shown glimpses of scoring prowess, reaching double figures with ten points in a contest against the Seattle Storm. But her performance against Indiana was different—it was marked not just by point production but also by scoring efficiency. Her three steals set a new career high and underscored her impact on defense as well.
It’s true the Sun didn’t secure the win, but they remained in the contest thanks in no small measure to Indiana having an off night. Still, Lacan’s breakout showed that when given minutes, she can immediately contribute.
Connecticut’s Young Core: Promising, Incomplete
Looking at the Sun’s roster, there’s a clear generational split. The team is dotted with youth, featuring several players under 25 years of age:
Leila Lacan – the arrival at mid-season has already begun paying dividends.
Rayah Marshall – still awaiting consistent rotation minutes.
Aneesah Morrow – off to a solid start, including posting double-doubles.
Olivia Nelson-Ododa – enjoying the best season of her WNBA career.
Saniya Rivers – showing up with defensive energy and intensity.
Jacy Sheldon – established herself as a hustling, gritty defender.
Three of those young players—Nelson-Ododa, Rivers, and Sheldon—have seen regular starting roles throughout the season. Morrow has also earned meaningful minutes, while Lacan’s production and adaptability have made her a frequent contributor as well. The one exception to this youth wave is Rayah Marshall, who hasn’t yet broken into Coach Meziane’s consistent rotation.
Collectively, this group is emerging as a promising core. Nelson-Ododa is blossoming into a reliable force on both ends, having arguably posted her best season in the league to date. Sheldon’s defensive tenacity is becoming a hallmark of her game, while Rivers has become a disruptive force—someone opponents have to account for. Morrow, with her double-double performances, and Lacan, with her offense and defensive instincts, add to the promise of this group.
It also offers some solace for what the team lost through last year’s expansion draft when they parted ways with Veronica Burton. While losing Burton stung, the performances of these young players help soften the blow.
Why Lacan Stands Out Among the Rookies
Of all the rookies, Lacan stands out—by virtue of her immediate readiness and her ability to acclimate quickly. Unlike others who needed time to adjust to WNBA speed and intensity, Lacan showed in both her previous experience in Europe and her national team play that she could hit the ground running.
One telling moment came from the bench when former MVP Tina Charles spoke about her: Charles complimented Lacan directly, suggesting her potential in the league was bright. Such praise from a veteran in Charles—not known for handing out compliments lightly—speaks volumes to what she sees in Lacan’s game.
The Bigger Picture for Connecticut
As the Sun navigate this transitional year, every game is a chance to assess internal assets. While veteran production may be limited, the value in watching who blossoms among the young crop is immeasurable. Development takes precedence over immediate wins. If Lacan and her fellow youngsters can continue their upward trajectory, Connecticut’s long-term outlook could dramatically improve in the coming seasons.
Leila Lacan’s early outputs—especially that 19-point/three-steal night—don’t just register on the stat sheet. They tell the tale of a player with a game—and a mindset—ready to contribute at the highest level. When rookie-year flashes turn into consistent performances, the foundation for rebuilding is laid.
For now, though, the Sun’s rebuild is in its early innings. Patience will be critical. As Lacan and the rest of the under-25 crew gain experience, the team’s identity will crystallize. Right now, it’s centered on growth, evaluation, and hope—on the promise of building something that can sustain success in the near future.
Final Thoughts
Connecticut’s season is a case study in post-overhaul challenges. Losing their starting six forced the team into a full-scale rebuilding mode. With veterans like Charles and Mabrey present, leadership exists, but scoring and winning consistently are out of reach at this point. Three wins all season speak to that reality.
But rather than lament, the Sun are focusing inward—on promising young talent. Leila Lacan, despite limited exposure, has already become a player the team can lean on. Her performances, particularly off the bench, have injected energy and optimism, with her best output—a near 20-point, three-steal masterpiece—capturing broad attention.
That said, she’s not alone. A group of young players, playing major roles, forms the nucleus of this rebuild. Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Saniya Rivers, Jacy Sheldon, and Aneesah Morrow have already begun carving out identities within this roster. Among them, Lacan’s blend of offense and defense signals she could be the first among equals to make a lasting impact.
The road ahead is long, and this season won’t likely be one filled with playoff hopes. But Connecticut’s commitment to growth, tempered with real-world glimpses of what their young roster can eventually achieve, sets the stage for a promising reset.
So while the standings won’t show success this year, the seeds of tomorrow’s competitiveness are already being sown—centered around not just one breakout performance, but the consistent rise of a hopeful, hungry young core led by the likes of Leila Lacan.
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