The Connecticut women’s basketball team is most famous for winning 70 games in a row, a streak that spanned from 2001 to 2003. Senior Diana Taurasi – the driving force behind the streak – will surely reach greater fame after her collegiate career comes to an end.

The guard from Chino, Calif., has followed the example of UConn head coach Geno Auriemma and used her intensity and passion for winning to propel the Huskies. Using the combination of Taurasi and Auriemma, UConn knows how to play hard and how to win.

‘They’re both competitive and they want to win,’ said Mandy Ronay, a Syracuse assistant coach. ‘They’re the same type of person, and there’s some attraction in that.’

The success is a result of Taurasi’s ability to take over a game in virtually any fashion. Coaches have a difficult time preparing for UConn (18-2, 8-1 Big East) because of her all-around abilities. Syracuse has this task on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Manley Field House.

Taurasi has been rewarded for her desire to win. During her first three seasons, UConn won two national titles, in 2002 and 2003.

‘Without her,’ UCLA assistant coach Tia Jackson said, ‘they would not be as successful as they are now.’

‘She’s very versatile,’ Notre Dame assistant coach Jon Tsipis said. ‘She is multi-dimensional and as fierce as a competitor as there is.’

Taurasi’s ability to do almost everything well has brought a lot of attention to her and UConn. She currently leads the Huskies in points, steals, assists and free-throw percentage. In UConn’s game against Tennessee on Feb. 5, Taurasi became the all-time 3-point leader in Huskies history with 283 shots made. Despite having impressive stats, her competitiveness and leadership are Taurasi’s most valuable traits.

‘She’s been the leader of the team for three years, even when (2002 graduate) Sue Bird was there,’ Tsipis said. ‘She’s very much the glue.’

Taurasi, in terms of a basketball player, is the total package. She can produce when UConn needs it or can sit back and let her teammates lead the action. Taurasi does what is best for the Huskies, and that has led to success.

‘She has an incredible basketball IQ,’ Tsipis said. ‘She plays with tremendous poise. She does a lot of things that don’t show up on the stat sheet.’

Her poise has proved to be more than valuable when UConn needs a score. Still, she has made numerous last-second shots to lead the Huskies to victory.

‘She’s as good a passer as there is in college basketball,’ Tsipis said. ‘And she’s the best pressure shooter in the game.’

Taurasi will continue to be valuable to Connecticut after she graduates, thanks to the attention she has brought to her team.

‘She helps to bring recruits in,’ Ronay said. ‘(UConn) will continue to be successful.’

Taurasi is sure to continue her success, too. The WNBA is ready for the jolt that Taurasi will bring to the league. If Taurasi enters the draft, she is expected to be the top pick.

‘If she’s not the first pick,’ Ronay said, ‘she’ll be the second.’

With her history of excelling at each level she competed in, Taurasi will surely work to be the best in the WNBA as well. Her work ethic that has brought her success at UConn will continue to aid her.

‘If she continues to improve, she has serious heights to obtain,’ Jackson said. ‘She will step up her game because of the level of competition. That will be a draw for everyone, including fans.’

Taurasi is expected to be the star that saves the WNBA. Like LeBron James in the NBA, Taurasi is targeted as the player to rejuvenate the league. With her positive attitude and stellar abilities, she has few doubters.

‘She is a great, great player,’ Ronay said. ‘She’s head and shoulders above everyone now. She’ll have to step in and learn the ropes, but she’ll be great.’

Taurasi has brought women’s basketball into the spotlight. After a highly successful collegiate career, Taurasi still will not be satisfied. Her determination to excel will bring her into the spotlight once again, this time in the WNBA.

‘She’s one of the best players to play in the Big East or women’s basketball for that matter,’ Ronay said. ‘She’s brought many things to the table.’

Published on February 9, 2004 at 12:00 pm