“Next one,” Michael Jordan said without even looking at Diana Taurasi when the latter went up to him hoping to get his shoes. Taurasi was so awed by Jordan that she wanted to impress him with all she had, but she failed to do so on her first opportunity while making her free throws. Hence, naturally, when Taurasi was asked to select a number for her jersey, the media world expected that she would go with Jordan’s 23 or 35. Instead, the California-born went with three, and now years after her decision, Taurasi reflected on what made her choose that jersey.

Taurasi was present in a chat with WNBA’s official channel when she told an interesting anecdote about her jersey number. The story dates back to her early days with the University of Connecticut Huskies. “3 well. I didn’t pick it. So, I got to Connecticut as a freshman and I really was never married to a number, you know. I wore 9 for Van Exel, I wore 32 for Magic, I wore 23, obviously, for MJ. Throughout my high school and AAU career,” Taurasi remarked.

“So, then I get to college and I asked coach Auriemma if I could wear zero and he goes ‘No!’ And I’m like ‘Why Not?’ and he goes ‘only jerks wear zero’. I’m like ‘Okay! Can I wear double zero?’ goes ‘No.’ Like ‘Why?’ ‘Cause only a–h-les wear double zero’. And I’m like ‘alright.’ Well, ‘what number you want me to wear?’ He goes ‘I think you should wear Babe Ruth No. 3.’ And I say ‘who the hell’s Babe Ruth?’ So, I wear 3 for Babe Ruth,” Taurasi added.

Taurasi during her high school days had made a name for herself for her exceptional hooping skills so much so that she was awarded the Cheryl Miller award in 2000. But, that was just the beginning of what lay ahead. She took part in the 2000 WBCA High School All-America Game winning the MVP honor.

Hence, once she transitioned into the NCAA in 2000, she asked her coach Geno Auriemma about the jersey number she should wear. Auriemma recommended 3, and it looks like it turned out to be lucky for her as the Huskies bagged three consecutive NCAA titles from 2002 to 04. Her dominance was so great that Auriemma during the 2002-03 season remarked, “We got Diana and you don’t.” during a post-game news conference.

Meanwhile, Babe Ruth was an MLB player who plied his trade for 22 seasons before taking over the job as a coach. The 7x World Series Champions jersey number was retired by the New York Yankees in 1948 to commemorate his achievements. In his illustrious career, Ruth hit 714 home runs with a 94-46 win-loss record. However, that doesn’t mean Taurasi’s connection with Jordan ended with just one meeting.

Diana Taurasi now relates to Michael Jordan

Taurasi was drafted as the first overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury in 2004. Over the years, she has enchanted her fans with her exemplary skills. She is the WNBA all-time points leader with 10,544 under her belt. And when she is not scoring, she is helping out her team with her playmaking skills. Thus, she is one of the most complete players but contrary to popular opinion a lot has gone into making her what she is.

Hence, when the 42-year-old saw Jordan’s The Last Dance, she could instantly connect with the legend. “There’s going to be another Jordan; there’s going to be another me, but you gotta give up your life,” Taurasi expressed while reflecting on the sacrifices she has made to be where she is. Without an iota of regret, Taurasi feels that it was worth it.

And for budding stars who will be reading this, you know who you need to contact when choosing jersey numbers. Meanwhile, fans would love to see her at the Huskies games soon with Auriemma cheering for the team from the sidelines. And maybe, we might even have a docuseries on Taurasi’s career.