Connecticut Sun head coach/general manager Curt Miller announced Friday that Natisha Hiedeman, who hadn’t traveled to training camp after testing positive for COVID-19, has entered the WNBA “bubble” in Bradenton, Fla.
Hiedeman tested positive for the virus during the team’s round of testing from June 28-July 5 and remained in Connecticut, recovering and waiting to test negative twice in a row before she could join the team. Having done so, she must quarantine for four days and undergo additional medical testing to ensure she does not test positive before she’s allowed on the court.
Miller said that, given Hiedeman was unable to exercise while recovering from the virus, the team will bring her back at the appropriate pace. Her return to the court will be a huge help for the Sun backcourt, who had no point guards in Florida aside from Jasmine Thomas.
Miller added that Briann January, who also tested positive for COVID-19, is still in Phoenix and undergoing protocol, hoping to join the team soon at IMG Academy. With Hiedeman and January out and Theresa Plaisance still easing her way back due to some lingering back issues, the Sun have been short players in training camp.
Hiedeman, who was drafted out of Marquette last year, made 20 appearances (and an additional seven during the playoffs) with the Sun, averaging 3.7 points and 1.9 assists off the bench.
The Sun tip off their season on Sunday, July 26 at noon, when they play the Minnesota Lynx.
Alexa Philippou can be reached at aphilippou@courant.com
