From Afrobasket Queen to WNBA Dream: Amy Okonkwo shines for Connecticut Sun

Amy Okonkwo of Nigeria is calling attention to the United States while continuing her transition from African domain to the world.

The Captain of D’Atigress made his second consecutive appearance for his new team, The Connecticut Sun, which contributed to his pre-season victory 94-86 over the freedom of New York, one of the main contestants before the warning of the 2024 season of the WNBA on May 17.

While the 28 -year -old striker did not start, he took the most of his minutes of banking, registering four points, four rebounds and a robbery.

From Bourges to the Great League

Okonkwo, twice Afrobasket champion FIBA and former MVP of Afrobasket, signed with the sun after an impressive season with the Bourges Powerhouse French Bourges.

In France, she averaged:

13.8 points per game

5 rebounds per game

1.4 Assistance per game

48% field goals

His performance abroad was established as one of the most consistent African players in Europe and caught the attention of WNBA explorers.

A promising beginning in the WNBA

In his game of debut against Seattle storm last week, Okonkwo published a solid statistics line with:

10 points

4 rebounds

1 assistance

Despite the loss of 79-59 of the sun, Okonkwo’s effort stood out as one of the few bright points of the team.

Veteran leadership racing the way

The Connecticut Sun, led by the WNBA legend, Tina Charles, organized a dominant team display against freedom.

Charles, 36, scored 17 points, added six rebounds and three assists, demonstrate that age is just a number. She was well backed by:

Jacy Sheldon – 16 points

Olivia Nelson -ododa-15 points

Marina Mabrey – 13 points

The adjustment without Okonkwo interruptions in this experienced squad is encouraging while the sun prepares for a deep postseason race in the next season.

Eyes on the Ivory Coast: D’Atigress’s duties expect

Head coach of D’Atigress, Rena Wakama observes while Amy Okonkwo leads to the basket in the group D match against Egypt at the 2023 female Afrobasket

While Amy Okonkwo’s immediate approach is to settle in the WNBA, it remains a key figure for Nigeria’s tigress, who will defend her title in the Afrobasket of FIBA Women in Ivory coast of 2025 this summer.

Did you know?

Amy Okonkwo is the first player born in Nigeria on the Connecticut Sun list in recent years.

It is also one of the few MVP of Afrobasket to win a WNBA contract without playing in the NCAA.

She was appointed Afrobasket 2023 MVP after taking Nigeria to her fourth consecutive title.