"I've always leaned on her" - DiJonai Carrington opens up on her bond with DeWanna Bonner on Connecticut Sun

Connecticut Sun veteran DiJonai Carrington opened up on her relationship with teammate DeWanna Bonner. The 2024 Most Improved Player said in a video shared by the Sun's official Instagram account on Sunday that Bonner has taken her under her wing, more like a big sister than a mother, and how she is learning as much as she can from her.

"I think everybody knows the relationship me and DB have. It's like, I know people say I'm her daughter but it's like a little sister-big sister kind of relationship. Even from my rookie year, I've always leaned on her and soaked in everything that she's said to me," Carrington was quoted as saying.

DiJonai Carrington added that Bonner's support goes beyond basketball, saying she also cares about her off the court. The 2024 Connecticut Sun had a competitive season, eliminating Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever in the first round before falling to Napheesa Collier and Co. in the second round.

"It's on the court or off the court, just the knowledge that she has in life as a woman, as a black woman, as a mother, just navigating through, being a professional for all these years. She's just super wise and she's a winner on the court," Carrington said.

The team's future is up in the air, with coach Stephanie White possibly leaving the organization and some players exiting to make room for new talent after several years of falling short of winning the title.

DiJonai Carrington reacts after posting remarkable season with Connecticut Sun

DiJonai Carrington was one of the biggest stories during the WNBA 2024 season. She was even accused of trying to injure Caitlin Clark, which she firmly denied. After having a stellar individual season, Carrington sent a powerful message celebrating her growth.

"What if I told you I'm jus getting started … Thankful for a healthy season. Nothin' but God; delayed, never denied. #Year4 pt.1 #SeatbeltSeason," Carrington wrote on Instagram.

DiJonai Carrington played 39 games last season, averaging 12.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game — all career-highs.

Despite her personal success, her efforts weren’t enough to lead the Sun past Collier's Minnesota Lynx, raising questions about whether roster changes are needed for the Sun moving forward.