Connecticut Sun sign Jacki Gemelos

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Jacki Gemelos. (Photo Courtesy of Allison Galer.)

The Connecticut Sun have signed Jacki Gemelos, the team announced Thursday. Gemelos was previously signed by the team to a training camp contract but was released ahead of the league roster cut-down date. 

“I’m beyond thrilled and excited to be playing for the Connecticut sun in the WNBA this season. It’s a dream come true to be on the most elite stage of women’s basketball,” Gemelos told The Next. “I want to thank Coach Curt for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to live my dreams. I appreciate my journey and where it’s led me, hard work always pays off in the end.”

After attending the University of Southern California, Gemelos was drafted by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2012 WNBA Draft. In 2015 she signed with the Chicago Sky and appeared in 17 games with the team. 

“Before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Jacki was playing some of the ​best basketball of her career,” general manager and head coach Curt Miller said. “She is a veteran guard that adds versatility and depth to our backcourt.”

Gemelos, a 6’ guard, played in 19 games for Olympiacos in Greece. She averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 assists in 21.5 minutes per game. Over the course of the season she shot 65.8% from the floor and 43.5% from behind the arc. 

“In this unique and uncertain season, you can’t undervalue the impact a positive player with a reputation as a uniter can have on a team,” Miller said. “I truly appreciate Jacki’s history of fighting through adversity and gratitude through these unprecedented times. She is someone I want in the foxhole with us in Florida,” he continued. 

Gemelos will add another versatile piece to the Sun, a component Miller has stressed to be important during this season. She can stretch the floor and gives the Sun another three-point threat. The team was at its best last year when the three-point shot was well established. 

Gemelos’ agent Allison Galer said, “Jacki is very deserving of this chance to play in the WNBA and is playing the best basketball of her career right now. Her patience and perseverance is incredible and we are so thrilled that Connecticut, and Curt Miller in particular, is giving her a well-deserved opportunity to pursue her goals and dreams. I’m super proud of her, she will always overcome all that is standing in her way.”