Geno Auriemma Names His All-Time UConn Women’s Basketball Starting Five

Geno Auriemma’s legacy at UConn women’s basketball is unmatched, with the program continuing its dominance this season at 26-0. Over more than three decades, he has developed countless players who have excelled at the collegiate and professional levels. Recently, Auriemma was asked to assemble a “dream team” of Huskies for a starting five, a challenge he admitted was far from easy given the wealth of talent he has coached.

Appearing on the “Hoops HQ” show with Andy Katz and Seth Davis, Auriemma acknowledged the difficulty of narrowing the list. He began with three players who have not only defined UConn but also shaped women’s basketball globally: Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, and Tina Charles. Each was chosen for unique strengths that set them apart during their college careers and in the WNBA.

“Man, that’s a hard one, because we’ve had such so many great players,” Auriemma said. “Sue Bird is the greatest playmaker, maybe in the history of basketball, college basketball, pro basketball, I don’t care. Taurasi, you can describe her however you want—she’s just incredible. And Tina Charles is probably the best rebounder, the most forceful kid we’ve had in there. They’ve even played together on the Olympic teams.”

To complete the lineup, Auriemma selected Breanna Stewart and Maya Moore, highlighting their versatility and dominance. He emphasized Stewart’s unguardable skills and ability to mesh with any player, while Moore brought a combination of athleticism and championship pedigree that made her an easy choice for his starting five.

1. The Core of UConn Excellence

The five players Auriemma selected—Bird, Taurasi, Charles, Stewart, and Moore—represent the pinnacle of UConn’s sustained success. Each has left a lasting mark on the program, helping to elevate its national reputation and achieve multiple NCAA championships. Sue Bird is renowned as one of the greatest playmakers in basketball history, excelling at distributing the ball and leading her teams at every level. Diana Taurasi, meanwhile, has been celebrated for her scoring ability, competitiveness, and leadership, traits that made her a force both in college and internationally. Tina Charles’ dominance on the boards and physical presence made her a matchup nightmare for opponents, allowing UConn to control games in the paint. Her combination of strength and skill defined an era for the Huskies’ frontcourt. By selecting these three as the foundation of his dream team, Auriemma recognized the impact each player had in shaping the culture and success of UConn women’s basketball, establishing a standard for future Huskies to aspire to.

2. Stewart and Moore Complete the Dream Team

Breanna Stewart and Maya Moore rounded out Auriemma’s all-time starting five, bringing versatility, scoring, and championship experience. Stewart, nicknamed “Stewie,” is known for her scoring ability, defensive versatility, and leadership on and off the court, making her a perfect complement to the other stars. Maya Moore, meanwhile, combined athleticism, intelligence, and poise under pressure. Her time at UConn and with Team USA highlighted her ability to dominate games at both ends of the floor. Auriemma also noted the unique perspective of having coached Moore and Stewart on the Olympic stage, which helped shape his final selections. Together, Stewart and Moore added balance to the backcourt and forward positions, ensuring that the dream team could execute across all facets of the game. Their inclusion reflects not only their skill but also their impact on the Huskies’ continued dominance and reputation as a breeding ground for professional talent. This combination of Bird, Taurasi, Charles, Stewart, and Moore represents the perfect synthesis of leadership, skill, versatility, and championship experience, setting a high bar for future UConn players.

3. Legacy and Influence

Auriemma’s all-time starting five underscores his role in developing elite talent and shaping the women’s game. Every player on the list went on to have a successful WNBA career, proving the program’s ability to prepare athletes for the professional level. Beyond individual accomplishments, these five players exemplify the culture of excellence Auriemma has built at UConn. Their success has influenced generations of players, inspired future stars, and strengthened the global profile of women’s basketball. As the current Huskies team continues its undefeated season, the standard set by these all-time greats remains a benchmark for success. The legacy of Bird, Taurasi, Charles, Stewart, and Moore is embedded in the program, and every UConn player that follows inherits a model of excellence and championship pedigree. Auriemma’s dream lineup is not only a reflection of past achievement but a roadmap for the future of the program, showing the qualities necessary to excel at the highest levels of collegiate and professional basketball.