​Sun Legend Alyssa Thomas Reflects on Her Time with Connecticut: ‘This Will Always Be Home’ originally appeared on NESN.
Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Alyssa Thomas has been a model of consistency in the WNBA over the years. From producing triple-doubles to leading her team in scoring, there’s nothing she can’t do.Now with the Phoenix Mercury, Thomas heads to Connecticut, where her rise to superstardom started, for a game against the Sun. Friday’s matchup isn’t just any normal one. The Sun will retire Thomas’ No. 25 at the Mohegan Sun Arena.This honor comes during a time when the Sun are set to leave Connecticut for Houston in 2027. Before thinking about the future, the Sun will honor its past, which includes a former franchise player who gave it her all with the team.“I’m truly honored to be a Sun Legend,” said Thomas. “I’m forever thankful to be a part of the Sun’s franchise and family. I will forever remember all the memories we shared in Mohegan. This will always be home! From the bottom of my heart, thank you!”After breaking records at the University of Maryland, Thomas was drafted fourth by the Liberty in the 2014 WNBA Draft, but was traded to the Sun right after. She was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team after averaging 10.0 points and 5.1 rebounds in 34 games.As she earned more playing time, Thomas became a scoring machine. She went from 10.0 to 14.8 points per game in 2017 to 15.5 in 2020. Thomas would average 15 points twice more with the Sun, a team where she became a multi-time All-Star and led the league in rebounds and steals.Thomas holds multiple records for the Sun, including:Games played (319)Points (3,889)Rebounds (2,396)Assists (1,463)Steals (494)While she ranks second in double-doubles, she leads the league in triple-doubles, with 15 while with the Sun (regular season and playoffs).  One of the most versatile players in Sun and WNBA history, Thomas’ impact with the Sun, who became consistent contenders with her on the team, will never be forgotten.Alyssa Thomas stats with Connecticut SunStatThomas (per game)Seasons11Games320Points12.2Rebounds7.6Assists5.3Steals1.5Blocks0.3Turnovers2.6Minutes30.5FG%.4833P%.095FT%.646