Charles goes No. 1 to Conn. Sun

With the first pick in the 2010 WNBA Draft, Connecticut got to keep a star.

Days after completing a second-straight undefeated season in which she earned National Player of the Year honors, UConn senior center Tina Charles was taken first overall in Wednesday's draft by the Connecticut Sun.

She'll now play her professional basketball in the state where her No. 31 hangs amongst the Huskies of Honor.

"It's definitely gonna be amazing," Charles said of playing not far from her home in New York and in front of the same fans who supported her in college. "I'm more interested in what impact I'll have on the team more than just being the No. 1 pick."

Charles is the third UConn player to be taken with the top pick, joining Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi. She's also fourth on a list of players to back up a national title with a No. 1 selection, along with those two.

The Sun secured the top pick in the draft by trading with the Minnesota Lynx. The move also allowed them to acquire former UConn captain Renee Montgomery, setting up a reunion for two members of the 2009 National Championship team.

Asjha Jones, a champion with the Huskies in 2000 and 2002, is also on the roster.

"With Renee Montgomery, I know it's gonna be great," Charles said. "She helped me along the way and just having experience with Asjha Jones is gonna be really good."

The 2010 season gets underway for the Sun on May 15, when they host the Chicago Sky at Mohegan Sun Arena.