WHEN BIRD ARRIVED in Storrs ahead of the 1998-99 season, UConn had only one national championship. Four seasons earlier, Lobo led the Huskies on a magical 35-0 run to a title in Minneapolis. Like Lobo before her and Taurasi who played on after her, Bird helped build what is now considered one of sports' greatest dynasties.

UConn coach Geno Auriemma caused a minor stir during last year’s NCAA Tournament when he proclaimed that his star guard, Paige Bueckers, was the best player in the country.

According to a report published by CT Insider, Bueckers has been waking up before sunrise each morning to cook breakfast for her teammate Jana El Alfy, who is observing Ramadan. The month-long religious period includes daily fasting from sunrise to sunset, which can pose a major challenge for athletes during tournament play.