NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2024* – Connecticut Sun guard-forward DiJonai Carrington has been named the 2024 Kia WNBA Most Improved Player, the league announced today. Carrington earned 28 of the 67 votes cast by a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, securing the prestigious honor. Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby followed closely with 18 votes, while Minnesota Lynx forward Bridget Carleton and Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter finished third and fourth, respectively. Other players receiving votes included Jordan Horston of the Seattle Storm, Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty, and Alanna Smith of the Lynx.
Carrington’s 2024 campaign saw her elevate her performance to new heights, averaging career bests in nearly every major statistical category. The 5-11 versatile player posted 12.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.56 steals per game this season, a marked improvement from her 2023 numbers of 8.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.63 steals. Notably, she logged 25 games with double-digit scoring, cementing her role as a key contributor for the Sun.
Defensively, Carrington was a standout, leading the league in games with at least five steals (three) and ranking ninth in steals per game. Her defensive prowess played a pivotal role in Connecticut’s success, as the Sun led the WNBA in both points allowed (73.6 per game) and defensive rating (94.1). The team also finished third in steals per game (8.2).
In her fourth season, Carrington started all 39 games in which she appeared, helping the Sun achieve a franchise-record 28 wins and secure the No. 3 seed in the WNBA Playoffs. As the team faces the Indiana Fever in the first round of the postseason, Carrington’s contributions have been invaluable to their pursuit of a championship.
Carrington joins an elite group of Sun players who have won the Most Improved Player Award, including Brionna Jones (2021), Jonquel Jones (2017), Kelsey Bone (2015), and Wendy Palmer (2004, co-winner). In addition to the accolade, Carrington will receive a $5,150 prize and a commemorative trophy.
The Sun, holding a 1-0 lead in their first-round series against Indiana, will look to close out the series in Game 2 tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Seatbelt season is here, buckle up for more DiJonai Carrington highlights!
