UConn’s women’s basketball program is set to pay tribute to its legendary player, Sue Bird, by retiring her iconic No. 10 jersey. This significant ceremony will occur on Sunday, with the announcement made ahead of the team’s matchup against DePaul.
Sue Bird’s Jersey Retirement Ceremony Details
The event will commence approximately 30 minutes before the game, which starts at 1 p.m. at Gampel Pavilion. Fans can watch the jersey retirement ceremony on the UConn women’s basketball accounts on social media platforms such as X, Facebook, and YouTube.
Celebrating a Hall of Famer
This ceremony comes on the heels of Bird’s recent induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in September 2023, making her eligible for this honor. Bird played for the UConn Huskies from 1998 to 2002. During her collegiate tenure, she secured two NCAA Championships in 2000 and 2002.
- Bird’s Achievements at UConn:
- Three Nancy Lieberman Awards for top point guard
- 2002 Naismith Player of the Year
- Wade Trophy winner
- AP National Player of the Year
- USBWA National Player of the Year
- Career Stats:
- 1,378 points scored
- 585 assists
- 3-point field goal percentage: 45.9%
- Free throw percentage: 89.2%
- Win-loss record: 136-9
Professional Success and Legacy
Bird’s professional career flourished with the Seattle Storm, where she was selected as the first overall pick in the 2002 WNBA Draft. Over a span of 20 years, she became a cornerstone of the franchise, leading the Storm to four championships and earning numerous accolades:
- 13-time WNBA All-Star
- Five-time All-WNBA First Team selection
- Three-time All-WNBA Second Team selection
Bird holds the record for the most assists in WNBA history with 3,234. The Storm honored Bird by retiring her No. 10 jersey in 2023. Additionally, her impressive USA Basketball career features five Olympic gold medals and four World Championship gold medals.
Retired Numbers at UConn
Following the retirement of her jersey, Bird’s No. 10 will join the ranks of Rebecca Lobo’s No. 50 and Swin Cash’s No. 32. These are the only numbers retired in the history of the UConn women’s basketball program.
For fans wishing to attend this historic event, limited tickets are still available for purchase. The ceremony not only celebrates Bird’s unparalleled contributions to UConn but also cements her legacy in women’s basketball.
