Hailey Van Lith has new WNBA team after Sky cut her loose

Hailey Van Lith has new WNBA team after Sky cut her loose originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Hailey Van Lith lasted only one season with the team that drafted her in the first round, the Chicago Sky.

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But after the Sky placed her on waivers earlier this week, she now has a new WNBA home.

The Connecticut Sun claimed HVL off waivers on Wednesday, so that'll be her next stop in the 'W.'

It's not the best place for competitiveness, as the Sun are coming off a miserable season and are soon going to be leaving Connecticut.

But as far as opportunity goes, it could be a good one for Van Lith.

The reality is that HVL needed to go somewhere she could play and learn on the job, and the Sun are about as good a spot for that to happen as any.

As a rookie, Van Lith wasn't particularly effective. She averaged 3.5 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.

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As a 5-foot-9 guard, maybe the most concerning stat was that she only shot 16.1% from 3-point range. She's going to have to be able to hit more shots from outside to have any chance of making a long-term impact at the professional level at her size. The only way she can use her quickness, handles and skill at playmaking in the lane is if defenders respect her enough to guard her closely on the perimeter.

It remains to be seen whether Van Lith will show the necessary growth in her game, but it's encouraging for her that the Sun pounced right away. They clearly see a reason to believe in her, and now it's up to HVL to prove them right.

MORE: Chicago Sky draft pick is instead going to play college basketball