“He’s gotten 50, 7 times without making a three”: When Geno Auriemma and Diana Taurasi discussed about Michael Jordan’s game in the 90s

Geno Auriemma is known as one of the best coaches in college basketball. Having recruited and coached some of women's basketball's greatest players, it is known that he has an eye for recognizing legendary players. One NBA star who has Auriemma's respect is Michael Jordan, as he expressed to one of his former players Diana Taurasi.

Taurasi represented Auriemma and the UConn Huskies from 2000 to 2004, winning three straight national titles and multiple honors for Player of the Year. She went on to have a remarkable career in the WNBA as she still plays for the Phoenix Mercury. She earned numerous individual awards while winning three championships in 2007, 2009 and 2014 with the Mercury.

Taurasi and Auriemma talked to each other in an Instagram live interview that was uploaded on YouTube in May 2020. One topic they discussed was the impact Jordan left on the sport, seeing how he scored at a high volume without needing a three-pointer, an idea that wouldn't even be considered in the modern era of basketball.

"There are teams shooting more threes in one game today than you might have shot back then, in a month or two months, and they're shooting that many in one game," Auriemma said (13:00). "Well, he's gotten 50, seven times without making a three."

Diana Taurasi admitted that it was indeed an impressive feat.

Geno Auriemma is happy with UConn player's return from injury

Geno Auriemma and the No. 6 Huskies saw one of their players make a return following a one-year absence due to a torn ACL. Aubrey Griffin suffered the injury last January, leaving a hole within the Huskies' rotation as they missed her presence on the court.

Griffin returned to play during UConn's game against Seton Hall on Sunday and finished with three points, four rebounds and two assists. Geno Auriemma reflected on her performance in the postgame press conference, saying:

"I’m sure she’s a little bit sore, a little bit tired. When you haven’t played in so long; that’s why I wanted to play her in short spurts.

"I thought she had fun. I know for sure she had some fun just putting that uniform on and going out there, and the reaction from the crowd. I’m thrilled for her. I really wasn’t expecting anything at all. I was just happy to see her out there, and we’ll build on it a little by little."

The win improved UConn to 17-2 on the season, staying undefeated in conference play with an 8-0 showing while having an active win streak of seven straight games. They are producing 79.4 points on 51.1% shooting from the field and 36.6% from beyond the arc, blowing out opponents by a margin of 28.9 points per game.

Geno Auriemma and the No. 6 Huskies prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Villanova Wildcats at the Harry Gampel Pavilion on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.