The Daily Tar Heel
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893.
Thursday, March 28, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue

We keep you informed.

Help us keep going. Donate Today.
The Daily Tar Heel

Chay Shegog drafted by the Connecticut Sun in WNBA draft

For many, graduating college signals the start of a new life full of uncharted territory.

But for former North Carolina women’s basketball player, Chay Shegog, the future will hold two familiar elements — basketball and former UNC teammate Jessica Breland.

With the 21st overall pick in the 2012 WNBA draft Monday, Shegog will play for the Connecticut Sun next season.

“It just was a lot of excitement and relief,” Shegog said.

Surrounded by her teammates as her name was called, Shegog’s emotion was visible.

“All her teammates were around her and they were really excited for her. She just broke out in a big smile,” coach Sylvia Hatchell said of the scene immediately following the announcement.

The Sun’s affinity for former UNC post players is no secret as the team signed Breland in July.

It was only fitting that Breland was with Shegog and the rest of the team, participating in a casual pick-up game when the selection was made.

“I said this a big 21st, you’re going to Connecticut,” Hatchell said. “You’re going to be Jessica’s teammate. So they hugged each other and gave a high five and everything.”

Shegog finished her senior season on a personal high note, earning second team All-ACC accolades and averaging career bests in points, 15.6, and rebounds, 6.9.

She was a go-to scorer during her career as a Tar Heel, finishing with 1,313 career points, 26th most in school history.

With the selection, Shegog becomes the 18th Tar Heel to be selected in the WNBA draft. She was one of only six ACC players to be selected this year.

“You just never know where somebody’s going to fit in or what team’s are looking for,” Hatchell said.

Though the Connecticut Sun is already filled with talented players, the introduction of Shegog to the roster may challenge the traditional roles of the veterans.

“Chay Shegog is an athletic big post. She runs the floor. She will be great competition for our posts,” Sun head coach Mike Thibault said. “And you never know. She comes in and plays well, we’ll have to re-think our roster.”

Contact the Sports Editor ?at sports@dailytarheel.com.

To get the day's news and headlines in your inbox each morning, sign up for our email newsletters.