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UConn legends Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird covered Geno Auriemma’s Huskies in the NCAA Tournament Final Four starting Friday. The Bird & Taurasi Show was back on Sunday for the championship game between UConn and South Carolina that ended with another Auriemma title. The legendary coach guided the Huskies to their 12th championship after beating the Gamecocks 82-59.
After the game, Auriemma had multiple interviews with reporters. During one of his chats with the media, Taurasi dropped by and intently listened to Auriemma before interrupting his talk. The two shared a few words and then hugged before the interview resumed. They planned to meet later to celebrate the Huskies’ latest triumph in the national championship.
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Diana Taurasi shares a close relationship with Geno Auriemma. After leaving Storrs in 2004, she sometimes visits her alma mater and reconnects with her old coach. Almost every time Auriemma is honored with an award, the former Phoenix Mercury superstar is a constant presence.
When UConn lost to South Carolina in the 2022 national championship, Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart consoled the team. They reportedly showed up in the Huskies’ hotel to support their former school and give Geno Auriemma a prop.
Diana Taurasi and Geno Auriemma had a successful run with the Huskies in the early 2000s
Geno Auriemma won two championships with UConn before Diana Taurasi arrived in 2000. With the emerging superstar leading the Huskies, the team reached the Final Four in their first season together but could not defend the title.
In the next three seasons, the enviable pairing could not be denied as they strung together three straight championships. Taurasi won the Most Outstanding Player award in her final two years with the Huskies. Auriemma suddenly had five championships when the point guard left the program to play in the WNBA.
Auriemma had unshakeable faith in Taurasi. He told reporters before the 2004 championship game against Tennessee that he liked the Huskies’ chances of a 3-peat. Auriemma boldly said he had Taurasi while their opponents did not have that luxury.
Years after their legendary run, the two seemingly remain as close as ever. Taurasi could not hold back from having a brief moment with Auriemma after the coach added to his championship haul on Sunday.
