Chiney knows of what she speaks

WNBA star excited about new career as fulltime television analyst for ESPN

NEW YORK - Chiney Ogwumike remembers her father always telling her and her sisters that every disappointment is a blessing.

The Connecticut Sun star followed that advice, turning two season-ending injuries into what could be a television career.

ESPN on Tuesday announced she will be a full-time basketball analyst. At 26, she is one of the youngest analysts at the network and one of few women in that role.

"It is truly the best of both worlds, being able to pursue my passions both on and off the court," Ogwumike said.

"My hope is to inspire the rising generation, especially young girls, to continue to defy expectations and create their own path."

Ogwumike (pronounced o-GOO'-mee-kay) is also now 100 percent healthy and ready to resume playing with the Sun this season.

Training camp started last weekend.

"I'm really proud of being back with my team, I missed them" she said. "I'm happy to be back and wearing a jersey."

The team has been supportive of her television endeavors, which began in 2015 after she was first injured playing in Italy.

She missed the 2015 WNBA season while recovering from knee surgery.

"I just didn't push myself in rehab on the court. I also tried to push my mind and career off the court to see what horizons there would be," Ogwumike said.

That's when she started working at ESPN. She credits her agent, Allison Galer, for helping her pursue the new line of work.