Flashback: Diana Taurasi Wins NCAA Championship, Phoenix Struggles

Diana Taurasi is recognized as one of the WNBA's biggest stars, significantly impacting the league's direction. She spent her entire professional career with the Phoenix Mercury after being drafted by them in 2004, achieving numerous accomplishments including championships and record-breaking performances. Her legendary status with the Mercury is cemented, and her jersey retirement is anticipated.

Taurasi's journey began during her highly successful college career at UConn. In the 2003-04 season, she led the Huskies to a 31-4 record, starting with a nine-game win streak before suffering losses to Duke and Notre Dame. UConn cruised through the NCAA tournament, defeating teams like Auburn, Penn State, and Minnesota, ultimately winning the championship by beating Tennessee in a rematch of the previous year's final.

During that championship 2003-04 season, Taurasi averaged 16.2 points, 4.9 assists, and 1.5 steals, earning her second Most Outstanding Player award. The previous season (2002-03), where UConn lost only one game, she averaged 17.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.2 blocks, winning her first Most Outstanding Player award after beating Tennessee in the final.

Taurasi's college success translated to the WNBA. Although it took a few seasons for the Mercury to reach the playoffs after drafting her, they won a championship early in her career. She led the team through many successful seasons thereafter. Now that her playing days are over, the Mercury organization aims to carry on her winning tradition with their current talented roster, which is performing at a high level and has the potential to win another championship.