When a daughter was born to a Maya Moore fan, she named her after the 2x NCAA Champion. Even in her college, Moore had an impact that athletes can only dream of. Her fierce runs from coast to coast coupled with her quick hands made it difficult for her opponents to tackle her. Her moves were like poetry in motion in front of thousands of spectators.

Hence, when the Minnesota Lynx announced her jersey retirement for Saturday while hosting the Indiana Fever, it was only fitting to have a look at her college career where a young Moore was groomed by the experienced Geno Auriemma. And the craze for her was such that even after 12 years when Moore visited Storrs her namesake balling fan was present with her mother to meet Moore.

Maya Moore’s initial years with the Huskies

Moore’s performance in high school got her a lot of attention. With her brilliant hooping skills, she came to the notice of the Huskies, who decided to make an offer to her. And sure, Moore couldn’t refuse it. She chose to represent the Auriemma-coached team from 2007-11. Though Moore did not start in any of the 38 games she played as a freshman, nonetheless, her performance cannot be ignored.

During the freshman year, Moore averaged 17.8 points with 7.6 rebounds per game. To top that, she shot 42% three-pointers which made her a complete player since she could decimate her opponents both in offense and defense and also use her 6-foot frame to her advantage. However, UConn experienced Moore’s dominance in complete swing during her second year.

In the sophomore year, Moore continued her on-song performances. Propelled by her 19.3 points and a solid defense of 8.9 rebounds per game, Moore won hearts. Even though she did not get the chance to start in any of the games, her gaming acumen surely seemed to have developed for good as the Huskies won a championship title. Her shooting from beyond the arc was once again noticed by all, as she hit 39.8% three-pointers. And going into her junior season, she showed that she was an all-around player.

Maya Moore: Junior and Senior years with the Huskies

Moore effortlessly translated from being a rotation player to starting the game during the 2009-10 season which resulted in the Huskies winning back-to-back Championship titles. Moore averaged 18.9 points with 8.3 rebounds per game. Her exemplary stealing skills supported by her shooting array earned her the title of the Black Mamba of women’s basketball in College. Her mid-range jumpers added more to her personality.

After Moore got UConn their second title during her stay, she assumed the role of an alpha in her team. By her senior year, she was entrusted with total offensive responsibilities and Moore surely justified her presence. She hit 22.8 points with 8.2 rebounds per game. Despite being just 6 feet, her talent to maintain a consistent rebounding average impressed all.

Overall Moore averaged 19.7 points with 8.3 rebounds per game in her four years at the Huskies. Taking cognizance of her performances, she was drafted as the first overall pick by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2011 WNBA draft, and the rest, as they say, is history.

When Moore gets her jersey retired on Saturday, it would be a good occasion to remember the laurels she brought to her college as well as the WNBA team. And hopefully, she will continue to inspire generations for years to come.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.