Mohegan - Downtime is a precious commodity for many WNBA players. They arrive at training camp in the spring, play all summer, and then head overseas to play internationally.

Katie Douglas has spent the last several months on a break from basketball as she rehabilitates her back. The Connecticut Sun guard has been enjoying a more normal life and will be inducted into Purdue's Hall of Fame this April, something the school had wanted to do for some time but couldn't because of her overseas commitments.

"It's been interesting, just kind of hanging out with family and friends and traveling," Douglas said during an informal meeting with the media on Thursday. "The downtime I've had has been fun and definitely something that I don't take for granted because I did all those years in Europe. It's been a nice change of pace for me to kind of play in the summer and then kind of wind it down and kind of chill; hibernate like a little bear in the winter.

"Pack here. Re-pack. Travel here. Fly 15 hours (to get overseas). It's a constant grind (playing year round), and it's not only physical, it's also a mental grind. So it's kind of nice to be able to slow down and enjoy stuff."

It's the second straight offseason that Douglas has spent home. She had lower lumbar microdiscectomy surgery in Oct. 2013 and played 32 games for the Sun last season, sitting out the final two games due to her back. She averaged 13.3 points and 32.5 minutes.

Douglas, 35, has been rehabbing her back this offseason.

"My back is still giving me some problems," Douglas said. "I'm just trying to work with my trainer here and back home and just trying to get (it) calmed down. It's still a little irritated from this summer. … I'm doing everything I can to get healthy and hopefully be ready in time for the season."

Connecticut has already dealt with one major injury as forward Chiney Ogwumike had microfracture surgery on her right knee on Jan. 22. The 2014 WNBA Rookie of the Year led the Sun last season in scoring (15.5) and rebounding (8.5) and was second in the WNBA in offensive rebounds (123).

Ogwumike is expected to make a full recovery. Her status for this season is unknown because rehabilitation can last from six-to-nine months.

"Our objective is not to push her to be ready," Connecticut general manager Chris Sienko said. "I want her to be completely comfortable and ready to go. … I spoke with her two days ago and she's in typical Chiney spirits, always happy. She's not on any medications. She's very positive, she's doing well in rehab, and the doctors are saying really good things.'"

Douglas said, "I was obviously shocked and devastated for Chiney for having that kind of injury that early in her career. … (I let) her know that I was there for her whenever she needs somebody to talk with or whatever she needs."

The Sun shored up their interior game last week when they acquired forward Camille Little and wing Shekinna Stricklen from the Seattle Storm for Renee Montgomery and the third and 15th overall picks in this year's draft.

"(We get) two players that have a lot of experience," Douglas said. "It'll really help us experience-wise and talent-wise.

"Our record didn't indicate it, but we were in a lot of close games last summer. We were playing with myself and then several rookies and some second year players. … Having Camille and Shekinna, who've been in late games scenarios, will really help us."

n.griffen@theday.com

Twitter: @MetalNED