Everybody wants to know something...

Ever wonder about Sun trades and negotiations? Curious as to decisions that are made regarding the off season? Have you always wanted to know what it is like to work for a professional sports franchise? Do you need to know what song plays during the introduction video at Sun games? Or, maybe you want to share your opinion? Now is your chance!

Connecticut Sun General Manager Chris Sienko wants to hear from you! So, feel free to ask anything, and he will respond to several questions every week. Reach out and Ask The GM today!

To submit your question, CLICK HERE. Your questions, and GM responses, will be posted here on a weekly basis. What do you want to know?

Ask The GM - July 7, 2009

Trevor in Hamden
Any chances of getting Big Red to come back as our announcer? I thought he did an amazing job announcing, and the way he would shout out the players names was great and very unique. I have to comment on the opening video sequence and music for the games when players are announced. The music to me, is very boring and doesn't get the crowd excited. A few years back, you used a hard techno beat and flashier videos. This year's James Bond sequence and the music that follows is boring.

Trevor,
At least I know you are not bashful to give your opinion - your parents did a good job! As for "Big Red", it was his choice not to do the games any longer as he moved out of the area and into another career path. He is our 'stand by' guy in case of emergency. He is still a friend of the program, as they say, but taking on new challenges in life. As for the opening video sequence and music, I actually like it. However, pleasing everyone is always difficult. We are constantly tweaking and changing things, so you never know what may happen next! Thanks for noticing the little things!

Hi Chris,
I think the decreasing of the roster size from 13 to 11 really weakens the integrity of the league. Many teams already have enough injuries so they may not even have enough players to practice. Was this decision merely an economical decision and a mandate from the league's front office or did the GM's choose this change? Also, is it something that can be changed in the middle of the season if it proves to be damaging to the league?
Thanks
Dick from Wethersfield

Dick from Wethersfield (my home town), this was not a GM decision - this was a league decision. I have not been shy about my dislike of the move, as I think it weakens teams from many perspectives. Practice alone requires more bodies - especially if some players are hurt or need some time off. But there is the question you raised about economics - some teams only held 11 last year; some had 13 (like the Sun) and the players at the bottom never saw playing time. So, when they were looking at keeping players who did not play, but traveled, and compared to teams with fewer athletes, a sweeping decision was made. Now, early on, you do see lots of injuries and missed games and some difficult decisions based on roster size. I do not think it will change this year, but I think it will certainly be revisited in the off season. Best compromise would be 12 players, 11 travel and go from there. Thanks for your support!

Robert from New Haven
Hi Chris, good luck this season. Do you regret not protecting Erika Desouza from the Atlanta expansion draft now that she is a power house center in the East? Especially since you protected Katie Douglas that year, and now she is not even on team. I think it was such a waste losing Desouza.

Robert, unfortunately, we were only able to protect six players. At that time, we had some spots we had to keep around, such as KT, Keesh, Asjha and Lindsay. Going back, I don't think there was any other way to change things - nobody knew at that time KT would want to go home. You have to make decisions based on your current situation and timing. Coach had always expected Erika to become the player she is now. And while she is scoring, I honestly like the young ladies we have now - a few years younger than Erika - that will help us along the way for many years to come. By the way, we protected Erin in that draft even - that was wise I believe. Here is a good link from the time: http://www.spmsportsinc.com/cgi-bin/moxiebin/bm_tools.cgi?print=10753;s=19;site=1

We have been to every home game for the past 2 seasons, and I was wondering how you are eligible to be part of the start of game basketball give away? I would be honored to receive a signed ball from the whole team.
Thanks
Kelsey

Hi Kelsey, Glad you have made it to so many Sun games! The folks who get game balls are either selected at random from all of our season subscribers or, part of a large group that comes to a game. So, I think you can keep those fingers crossed, or get 100 or more of your closest friends together and get down on that court! Either way, we appreciate your support!

Dear Chris,
I know it's strictly business, but I'm really going to miss Barbara Turner. I've been following her career for quite a while now. Yes, it started with UCONN, but let's face it, UCONN started it for a lot of people. I still can't help wondering what the "owners" were thinking when they decided to go from 13 to 11 players as a cost cutting measure. Maybe if they hadn't, there would still be room for the "Barbara's" of the league. Even though her stats were down, she always showed so much enthusiasm from the bench. I wish her well.
Thanks for listening,
Nan from Mystic

Nan, above you will see a similar question regarding the number of roster spots. That said, you are exactly right with BT - she would be here had there been more spots. With only 11 on the roster, you have to be the best of the best. So, if productivity is down, you've lost your spot. Our business is to win games, and we need the best talent to do it. As a UCONN alum, I know there were not many fans of the men's or women's teams until they started to win. Winning is now expected. And so it goes with us. We need to win and we need the best players to make that happen, not ties to the local program. It is business, as you clearly pointed out, and we hope fans understand that.

Chris,
I am a season ticket holder. . I fully intend to stay a season ticket holder. Being part of your team, I would like to tell you about a couple of areas, in my view, that you might consider making improvements on.
1. The MC's are weak and 90% repeat every year (other than Lux,Bond,Greene, pkg this year) and they do not do a good job getting the fans into the fun of the game.
2. Half time shows have gotten pretty weak this year.
I am aware that times are tough this year, but I though I would let you know how I feel. On the good side, I think you and your team do a great job with the team and the overall family feel that is put forward. Thanks for all your efforts. Go Sun.
Walt

Walt, thank you for the feedback. We always appreciate the good and the bad so that we can improve ourselves as we go. We want our fans to leave the arena having a great time - win or lose. It is our hope that the entertainment within the game will be almost as exciting as the game itself and keep fans interest. Things are always in motion, and ideas are constantly discussed. I will pass along your thoughts and we shall see what happens. But remember, as said above, there are always people on the other side of your opinion. We just try and make a nice even line between all of you! Thanks for your support!

Ask The GM - June 22, 2009

Hi,
I would really want to go the All-Star Game at your place in July. How can I get tickets? Are they on sale right now? If not, when will it be on sale and where can we get them? A big thank you for your time.
-Patrick

Patrick, Tickets are on sale but going very quickly! Right now, less than 700 tickets remain - so you should jump onto www.ticketmaster.com or stop by the Mohegan Sun Arena box office. Of course my favorite way is to buy a Sun Mini Plan and then you can get several other great games and the All Star game for one very low price. Of course, there is one final way - vote yourself in! See you at Mohegan Sun on 25 July!

Hi Chris.
Trevor from Hamden.
What is the status of Chante Black? Is she going to miss many games?

Trevor, We are still awaiting test results on Chante. As of this posting (Monday), the injury is less than 24 hours old. She has had testing done and can confirm at this time that there appears to be no breaks or fractures. When we have more information, we will post it on the web and release to the media. Thank you for the concern!

Ask The GM - June 16, 2009

Just wondering who makes decisions about the roster and trades/draft picks etc. Would love to see some bold moves to win a title. This years team will struggle. Please keep reading... Lyndsey Whalen to Minnesota for Renee Montgomery and a second round pick next year. Renee's outside consistent shooting opens up the middle so teams can't pack it in on us, Lyndsey gets a shot at a title this year and we set ourselves up for next year with a high pick that could be packaged with other second round picks for Tina Charles or a great shooter from either the college ranks or a trade for a WNBA shooter like a Deanna Nolan type. Hope you take this for how it is meant, season ticket holder for 5 years and would love a championship. Thanks.
Let me guess - are you a UConn fan? My intuition tells me that is the case (which is good as an alumni). But let me share this thought - any trade you can possibly imagine has probably already been considered or discussed at one time or another. Also, keep in mind, that it takes "two to tango" and therefore, what you feel is a great trade is not necessarily viewed as great by the other side. Now, those things said, Lindsay is a primary reason for our title runs and playoff appearances. Lindsay was second in MVP balloting last year by the closest margin ever. And while i know your next comment will be "but that just means she has more value", you are correct - and that value is with us. Teams have cycles in which they are competitive - yet we have been on the upside every year since we brought the team up from Orlando. Three games in our report card is not great, but the season does not rest on these games, but on the 31 still to come. We will be competitive, and our intention is to make the playoffs and go to the Finals. We did it in 2004 when no one thought we had a chance of evening being in the playoffs...this year, could be the same. We are always looking at options - out of season as well as in season. If we feel our team will be better with a trade, you can be certain it will happen - trust me, we are judged on winning and want it as much as our fans do! Thanks for the 5 years of support - keep the faith and bring a friend to the games!

Is there a problem with playing Whitmore? The Sun seem to be trying to go with the "fresher" girls when obviously it IS NOT working. Tamika is a seasoned veteran who knows the game inside and out and to not use her talents for POLITICS is ridiculous.
Concerned Suns Fan

Dear concerned SUN fan - I am not sure of the "politics" you are referring to. If you are a Tamika Whitmore fan, than perhaps you do not like her role. But the team is made up entirely of role players - situational, game starters, game finishers, you name it. When players are involved in a team at this level, there are expectations set by the coaching staff, along with goals and objectives for how to run the floor. With six seasons under their belt, the coaching staff want Tamika off the bench for our style of play and game pace. Tamika has certainly accepted her role, and it is always hard to lose a starting spot. However, one thing we do NOT do around here is "politic". We do whatever we can to win games, and if a persons role has changed based upon team needs, so be it. Whitmore is a great player - her passion, dedication and determination are her biggest qualities. If she can contribute for 34 minutes, or two minutes, she knows she has helped the team.

Hi, I have a question concerning tickets.. Why is it when the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office sells out a game and it is shown on TV, there is a plethora of unoccupied seats that give the deceiving image that the arena is empty? It just stinks because there are alot of Sun fans that would love to attend the game, yet do not get the opportunity to and seats seem to still be available.
Thanks,
Kyle from Plainfield

Kyle, unfortunately, we have yet to sell out a game this year. If you are referring to last season, we only sold out three games. However, on sell out games there will always be "kills" in an arena to get better TV angles and limit internal sightlines. Sometimes groups that have bought tickets do not arrive on time, or other issues prevent folks from coming. My suggestion is, if you want to go to a game, purchase tickets early on, then there will be no concerns!

Ask The GM - May 27, 2009

how about the truth. is sveta coming back? hope so.
- SMV

SMV - You want the truth? You can't handle the truth! Ok, I know, but you gave me no choice but to use that line! We have never told anyone anything but the truth, and what we said still is the case - our expectation is that Svet will not be playing for us or any team this year as she wishes to stay in Russia at least for the first few months of the season. Should something change, I think we will be on her short list, but with rosters moving to 11 players, options are becoming fewer barring injury the further into the season we progress.

Chris,
I saw a comment from Lindsey about a new training facility that is being built at Mohegan Sun. Is there a new facility? Can you provide some information about this facility? Does this mean that the team will be practicing at this facility as opposed to Connecticut College?
Ron Burton
Newington

Ron,
There is a new practice facility being built that is a small piece of a bigger project, the Mohegan Tribal Government Center. It can be seen when you are driving on property - a building wrapped in white up on the hill behind the gas station. However, the project is on hold until the economy is stronger and more stable. When the time comes, and the project is back full force, we will be using that facility for everyday practice. The tribe has gone out of their way to accommodate us. The plans are beautiful and it is another testiment to how serious they are about the team.

I am a huge fan of the Connecticut Sun and have been since it's inception. My question is, if Nykesha Sales wants to come back to the team this year and play, does great in training camp, would you resign her? Thank you, looking forward to this season. I have my season tickets and I can't wait.
Trevor Bayers

Trevor, ok, I need to know, did Nykesha put you up to this? Just kidding! Nykesha is an unrestrited free agent - she can sign with any team she chooses. With training camp here, the likelihood of her joining any team is pretty slim, unless she is signed mid season as a replacement player should someone get hurt. As much as the coaches and myself love Nykesha, I think it is highly unlikely she will be back with the Sun any time soon.

Dear Chris,
Our season tickets are in section 104. My question to you is the following...Over section 23-24 were the stats for the visiting team. Every few minutes there was a flash of the Sun stats. Will there be a change in how or where team stats will be visualized? Our section is very interested in the team data. We appreciate your answering our question.
- Section 104 Row A Seat 1 & 2.
Hello,
Thanks for writing. This year, we have moved the score and the stats to opposite corners of the area - scoring will stay in place above sections 27/28 and 18, while the stats will stay in place in the opposite corners in sections 13 and 22. The stats will rotate every 20 seconds or so, from the sun to the visiting team, and back. The only time this should change is during a stop in game action, if the LED boards are being used for promotion or sponsor messaging.

We watched your first preseason game against New York and even though Kristi Cirone only got limited number of minutes, we were really impressed with her hustle, her ability to see the floor, we, the fans, were very excited she sure is a keeper.

Thank you for the note....Kristi has done good in camp so anything is possible. When you start looking at our roster, and knowing there are now only 11 spoots versus 13 in the past, chosing the best players - at any position - will be difficult. I will put in your vote for Kristi and we shall see!

I watched the Sun vs. Liberty game on May 22nd and was very impressed with one of your new-comers, Kristi Cirone. She was only in for a little over 3 minutes but did as much, if not more, then some of your seasoned players (and draft picks). She is what I would consider a "smart thinking" player with natural instints to dive for balls when they go out of bounds, which most players can't seem to be bothered with doing (along with alot of other things).I can't imagine what she could do if in for more than 3 minutes....What do you think of her?I think she is a keeper!!!!
Thanks,
Maureen

Hi Maureen - see the above question and answer! Krisit is not just a good player, she is a great young lady. Very quiet, very confident, and comes ready to play. Tonight she will get some more time to play and we can see what happens. Judging player is always difficult but there are plenty of considerations that the fans do not see. h=However, that said, we are all happy with what we are seeing with Kristi and the other folks in camp. Getting to 11 will be tough!

Ask The GM - April 16, 2009

Chris,
This may be a question directed more to Mike than you but I’ll ask anyway. What do you think about Gino being picked as the USA coach? I heard that Mike was in contention. Was there an offer and did he decline due to scheduling or did USA basketball just pick Geno? Both would be great selections. Would Mike consider being an assistant again? I think his international experience would be great!!!
Ron

Ron,
Thank you for the question....Mike was in consideration for the appointment, but has known for some time that Geno was to be named coach. Mike is very grateful for the opportunity he had under Anne Donovan and would certainly assist Geno in any way he could, if asked to do so. The old rules used to require that the Olympic coach must have WNBA experience. However, those guidelines were changed about a month ago, most likely to accommodate Geno. That said, it is hard to argue that a gentlemen with six national titles, three undefeated seasons, multiple coach-of-the-year awards and a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, is not worthy. We wish him the best and will support him any way possible.

Since the WNBA draft is already upon us, I am curious. When a player is drafted on April 9th, does she have to report to the team immediately or are the drafted players allowed to finish their senior year classes and attend their graduation ceremony before reporting.
Richard Geltzer

Richard,
In the past, the WNBA draft would be held a few weeks after the NCAA title game. In the last three years, the draft has been held within a day or two of the title game which made the athletes time even more compressed. Either way, training camp traditionally started by the end of April which would cut into the athletes last weeks of school, and in many instances, deprive them from going through their graduation ceremony. This year, with the push back of the season, a large majority (if not all) athletes will have the opportunity to finish classes and graduate with their classmates before coming to camp, which opens on 17 May. We will begin to see the newly drafted players in the market around the 15th or 16th, and ready to go!

I have two questions related to the Houston Comets:
1. Was there a dispersal draft? I have not seen any references to it.
2. What is your feeling about the past procedure for the dispersal draft? It has annoyed me how the selection order was the same for both the regular annual draft and the dispersal draft, giving some teams the opportunity for two high caliber players at the same time, and putting those in the middle of the pack or lower, like the Connecticut Sun, at a big disadvantage in trying to improve.
Tom
Meriden

Tom,
There was a dispersal draft back on 8 December. The draft was done by teleconference and teams selected by inverse order of how they finished the season (worst record chose first). The first pick in the dispersal draft was from Atlanta, and they selected Sancho Lyttle. Unrestricted Free Agents were not eligible to be drafted (Tina Thompson, Michelle Snow).

I agree with your thinking regarding the draft and how it operates. First, you never hope to have contraction, but in the case that a team disbands, I think every other team should have a legitimate chance at getting "good" players. It is my feeling that there should be a lottery system in place, with all teams having equal opportunity (not weighted as it is in the regular collegiate draft) for the chance at a top pick.

I think the league needs to re-examine this, and we will certainly push for it. Again, my hope is not to lose teams, but if you do, every team should have a fair chance at acquiring its biggest assets - the athletes.

Ask The GM - March 19, 2009

Chris...long time Sun fan here. It is unfortunate that the Comets couldn't find a new owner and I hear that the Pacers/Fever's future is in question in Indianapolis. With the economy in a recession, can you elaborate on the future of the Sun and the WNBA? Also, do you foresee the WNBA expanding anytime soon?
Thanks
Steve
Portland, CT

Steve,
Thank you for taking the time to write. As said, the situation with the Comets is unfortunate. When one of your flagship franchises is no longer, the repercussions are felt around the league and for quite some time. The honest answer is, that there were interested groups to purchase the franchise, but the timeline was too quick. I think that the economy and investors willingness to bankroll certain projects was also a factor.

The WNBA is a great product, with many fans and supporters. However, some teams can not survive in their current market or within a set business model. Perhaps to make the league strong there will be further attrition, but I would not think there would be expansion at this time.

The Sun is here to stay. We have no plans to change our business model or to go a different direction. If the WNBA is alive and kicking, so is the Sun. That said, did you buy your season tickets yet? All Star tickets? See you this summer!

Hello, I am eagerly awaiting the start of the season. I would like to know if the Sun are going to have a Nykesha Sales day like you did for Debbie Black?
Deb from New London

Deb,
Well, the quick answer is that Nykesha is not officially retired. If and when she does retire we would be happy to host a day to recognize all she has done for Connecticut basketball at all levels - high school, college and professionally. Keesh is extremely deserving of the honor - we'll keep you updated!

I'd like to know when your going to do something. So far you watched Yolanda Griffith go to Indiana, Tina Thompson go to LA and Michelle Snow go to Atlanta. What are you waiting for Lauren Jackson? She's not going to sign with us, she don't want to play here. Spend some money go after a big post player or were going to windup were we always do 2nd best !! (no name, no town)

Dear no-name and no town,
Let us see where we stand on your issues: we watched Yolanda Griffith go to Indiana because she has been injury prone that last several years. Last year was arguably the worst of her career. While there is something said about having experienced players on your roster (she is also 39), we believe that there is also a time that you need to let your young kids play - and that time will be now for Sandrine.

Tina Thompson narrowed her list of teams to three - Connecticut, San Antonio and Los Angeles...Tina made her decision on the following: she played college ball at USC; her mother is from LA; her grandmother lives in LA and her young son has cousins in LA....so, if you were Tina, where would you go for a comfort level?

Michelle Snow has never been on our radar. A good player, but never has been a factor against us. We believe that for our system we need a physically stronger presence and as mentioned, Sandrine will be that (along with Whitmore and Jones - and some kids that could be on the draft list).

Last, Lauren Jackson - finally, you are right! LJ will not sign with us because she said there are only two options for her - Phoenix or Seattle.

It is not a question of spending the money - we have it an will use it accordingly. With a hard salary cap, no team can offer more, so it in not a financial issue for most players - it is where they want to play and who they want to be around (family, friends, cities). We feel that many players DO want to play here, and we have a wining history that many want to be a part of.

What is the status of Nykesha Sales? I know she isn't coming back to the Sun; but do we have the rights to her in order to trade her or can she just sign with any team? Also, do you know what she intends to do?
Richard Geltzer

Richard,
A similar question is above - Nykesha is undecided - period. At this point, we do not know if she plans on playing in the WNBA this summer or not. We do not own her rights - those expired after last season. She is an UFA (Unrestricted Free Agent) and can sign with any team she chooses for any dollar amount that may be offered. I would like to see Keesh in the league again...she is a great person, lots of fun and a personality people enjoy in every city.

When you were younger did you ever think that you were going to be the General Manager of a professional sports team? What did you go to college for? And how did you gain enough experience to find yourself in the position you are now?
- Heather
Plainfield, CT
Heather,
A very interesting question. When I was young, I always thought that I would be a commercial artist - like Darrin from the old TV show "Bewitched" (does that show my age? I swear I was watching re-runs! here is some info on "Bewitched".

I actually went to school to become a Graphic Designer and upon leaving college, went into a marketing and advertising role, using those skills. I had always had an interest in sports, and played growing up. About eight years into my career I decided to change gears and pursue other opportunities in sports. I was fortunate that my background help me land opportunities and of course, being persistent helps.

It was a rocky road to start, but with each passing day and experience, you gain more knowledge to help you with the next step. Many people should be credited with any one person's success - influences, experiences, personalities - they all mold who you are and what you do. Every day you learn more, and the people around you contribute to your success.

I was VP of marketing (advertising) and sponsorship and the GM of the New England Blizzard and after a few other opportunities came to work here at Mohegan Sun in a role dealing with all sports on property. The Mohegan Tribe bought a franchise in the WNBA, I already had experience running a team and wow! here we are seven years later...I would not trade any of it at all - the bad experiences and the good create a history that is uniquely yours alone, and its been fun!

How do you see the league growing in upcoming years?
Chris - Lebanon, CT.

Chris,
I do not know if the league will grow, but rather, maintain itself in the coming years. Most sports leagues are cutting back and downsizing as a result of the economic woes the country is feeling. When you seem stories such as the AFL ceasing operations for the year and the NBA and NFL cutting back on staffing it gives you pause. We need to ensure our own success with what we have in place now. I think the league is best to formulate a three, five and ten year plan that assess every business function and grow according. Most important, we need the fan base to grow in every city before we can expect to add new teams. SO, my question is to you - have your season tickets yet? Do you want some...I can get you a good deal!

If you could trade places with anyone in the organization who would it be? Why?<
Jason - Tewksbury, MA.
Jason,
This is a tough one...am I basing it on personality or basing it on job function? Either way, i think the answer is pretty simple, it would be him. Who would you want to be?

Blizz Bear or Blaze? Who do you like better?
Jay - Montville, CT.

Come on, that is not a fair question! Blizz Bear had a great personality and did lots of over-the-top stuff; however, Blaze is a perfect fit for our audience and has grown on me the last few years....I am going to have to go with a 60-40 split for Blaze. Who is your fav and why?