UConn's Final Four run is steeped in Diana Taurasi's legacy

PHOENIX — UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma had dinner with Diana Taurasi Wednesday night in Phoenix ahead of the Huskies' Final Four matchup against the South Carolina Gamecocks. "In typical D fashion, she's the story," Auriemma said with a smile, referring to his former player. The Huskies are staying on Taurasi Way in downtown Phoenix during the Final Four, a street named after the Phoenix Mercury legend who spent her entire 20-year WNBA career in the desert.

UConn practiced at Phoenix's Mountain America Performance Center, where Taurasi's name and logo graces the basketball courts. "Being able to practice at her facility, staying on her road, being in her city, it is incredible," senior guard Azzi Fudd said. "Having someone that you went from looking up to, then meeting them, playing at UConn and knowing that you're a part of this sisterhood.

She's a resource and she's someone that we can reach out to and talk to and just look up to and go to for advice that we ever need. " All the parallels are extra meaningful to the Huskies, but Auriemma said it's even more special for Taurasi. "To be here, I know that means a lot to her.

I know it means a lot to our players," Auriemma said. "In my mind, (she's) the greatest basketball player to ever play college basketball, and maybe the greatest WNBA player of all time. ...