SECAUCUS, N.J. — UConn center Tina Charles was selected first by the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA draft today, less than two days after helping the Huskies win their second straight national championship.

Charles averaged more than 18 points and nine rebounds while leading UConn to an NCAA Division I-record 78 straight victories over the past two seasons.

The Sun traded with the Minnesota Lynx in the offseason to get The Associated Press player of the year. They also acquired her former UConn teammate Renee Montgomery in exchange for Monica Wright, the second pick in the draft, and former University of Minnesota star Lindsay Whalen.

Charles joined Sue Bird (2002) and Diana Taurasi (2004) as the only UConn players taken with the top overall pick.