Sue Bird became the first player to have a statue at the WNBA franchise’s home arena when the Seattle Storm honored the star guard for her services. Her college team, the UConn Huskies, also made a grand gesture by retiring her jersey #10 earlier this week.
In September, the Huskies honored the decorated star with her induction into the Hall of Fame. At the time, the Bird took a funny dig at her coach, Geno Auriemma.
Everyone thought that during her Jersey retirement ceremony, the 71-year-old coach would come up with something funny for Bird, but he had other ideas.
Geno Auriemma Lauds Sue Bird As Greatest Point Guard
Auriemma is famous for his quick and witty replies to every situation. The coach’s interactions with players like Diana Taurasi, Paige Bueckers, and even Bird are legendary, with his former players looking to get one over the record-setting champion coach. While the former Seattle star took a jab at her HOF induction, Auriemma had nothing but lovely words for the guard.
At one point during his speech, Auriemma said, “The greatest point guard ever in the history of basketball, men’s or women’s.”
"The greatest point guard ever in the history of basketball, men's or women's."
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) December 7, 2025
Geno Auriemma on Sue Bird at her jersey retirement ceremony at UConn ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nV4Er2Ey8I
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With the addition of the men’s basketball team, too, this could be a very bold claim, but a deserving one for a player like Sue Bird. She has an illustrious career at both the professional and international levels, having won two NCAA Titles with the Huskies.
Interestingly, Auriemma called Paige Bueckers a natural successor of Sue Bird, putting high hopes on the 23-year-old Wings’ playmaker. As for Bird, she had some advice for the current superstar of the UConn Huskies.
Sue Bird With Special Message For UConn’s Current Megastar Azzi Fudd
Azzi Fudd is one of the top draft prospects for the 2026 WNBA Draft, with Wings receiving the top pick for the second year in a row. Although many assume the shooting guard to be the first overall pick, the player may be under pressure to perform and live up to expectations. But Bird gave her some ‘soothing’ advice.
“I feel like there are a couple of moments where it’s cliche to say like make sure you’re soaking it all in, but this is one of those moments where, you know, it’s your last, right? Sometimes we don’t know what’s going to happen. You know, it’s your last year. So, I think you can definitely take a couple of moments here and there and just kind of look around and enjoy it all,” Bird said.
Sue Bird mentioned that she enjoyed her college years, where the pressure was not much, and she could focus on her game, teammates, and basketball. So, even though adjustments are needed, the payer would be preparing for the entire season.