The University of Connecticut (UConn) women’s basketball program has a storied history filled with remarkable achievements and a legacy of excellence. With 32 NCAA Tournament bids, 13 consecutive Final Four appearances, 11 NCAA Championships, and six undefeated seasons, the Huskies have solidified their place as one of the greatest programs in college sports. Head Coach Geno Auriemma is widely recognized as one of the best coaches in any sport, leading his team to consistent success year after year.
As the Huskies head into the Big East Tournament, they hold a 22-5 record and are ranked No. 7 in the Top 25 poll. With star sophomore Paige Bueckers back from injury, the team is poised for another deep run in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Though UConn hasn’t secured an NCAA title since 2016—a rare title drought for the program—the Huskies are considered strong contenders to make it to Minneapolis this year. This is exciting news for Connecticut sports bettors as March Madness approaches.
While we await Selection Sunday on March 13 to see where the Huskies will be seeded, let’s take a look back at some of the legendary players who have helped build UConn’s powerhouse reputation in women’s basketball.
Seven Legendary UConn Women’s Basketball Players
Rebecca Lobo: The Trailblazer
Rebecca Lobo was the player who truly put UConn women’s basketball on the map. As the 1995 NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, she averaged 16 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. In the 1995 NCAA final, UConn faced Tennessee, a team with eight NCAA titles, and Lobo’s performance was key in the Huskies’ comeback from a six-point halftime deficit. She scored 17 points, helping UConn achieve its first undefeated season (35-0) and first national championship.
Maya Moore: The Scoring Machine
Maya Moore is one of the greatest players in UConn history. She led the Huskies to four Final Fours in four years and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player in 2010. That year, UConn went 39-0 and defeated Stanford for the title. Moore is UConn’s all-time leading scorer with 3,036 points, ranking tenth in NCAA Division 1 history. Her dominance on the court is undeniable, as she consistently delivered in the biggest moments.
Diana Taurasi: The Competitive Force
Diana Taurasi’s competitive spirit drove UConn to three consecutive national championships (2002, 2003, and 2004). Twice named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, Taurasi also won the Naismith Player of the Year award twice. Her college record of 139-8 speaks volumes about her impact on the court. After UConn, Taurasi went on to have a legendary professional career, winning four Olympic gold medals and three WNBA titles.
Sue Bird: The Sharpshooter
Sue Bird, known for her sharp shooting and playmaking, still holds the UConn record for highest three-point shooting percentage (.459). She also leads in free-throw percentage (89%) and finished her career with 585 assists. Bird’s leadership helped guide the Huskies to an undefeated 39-0 season in 2002, culminating in a victory over Oklahoma for the national championship. She won the Nancy Lieberman Award three times, cementing her status as the best point guard in women’s college basketball.
Breanna Stewart: The All-Around Star
Breanna Stewart’s college career is nothing short of legendary. She became the first freshman to win the Most Outstanding Player award in the NCAA Tournament in 2013 and went on to win four national championships. Stewart ranks second on UConn’s all-time scoring list (2,401) and first in blocked shots (414). Her unique ability to contribute both offensively and defensively helped her finish her college career with an astonishing 151-5 record.
Tina Charles: The Double-Double Machine
Tina Charles was a dominant presence for UConn, recording 52 double-doubles during her college career. Her 2,346 points place her fourth on the all-time scoring list, and she was instrumental in leading the Huskies to two national championships. Charles went on to have a stellar WNBA career, earning MVP honors in 2012 and winning three Olympic gold medals.
Kerry Bascom: The Unsung Hero
Kerry Bascom may not have the same household recognition as some other UConn legends, but she played a pivotal role in elevating the program to national prominence. A three-time Big East Player of the Year, Bascom led UConn to its first Big East title and Big East Tournament championship. She also helped guide the Huskies to their first Final Four appearance in 1991, scoring a record 39 points in a first-round NCAA Tournament win over Toledo.
Conclusion: The Huskies’ Continued Legacy
The legacy of UConn women’s basketball is built on the incredible achievements of its players and the unwavering leadership of Coach Geno Auriemma. As the Huskies prepare for another NCAA Tournament run, they continue to be one of the most dominant forces in college sports. The great players of the past have set the standard for future generations, and the UConn program remains a beacon of excellence in women’s basketball.
Source : https://www.playct.com/news/best-uconn-women-basketball-players/