Geno Auriemma pens emotional congratulations to Sue Bird

After a legendary 19-season WNBA career, Sue Bird received a giant honor from her only team in the league, the Seattle Storm. The retired guard led the franchise to four WNBA championships while becoming a 13-time All-Star, eight-time All-WNBA, and three-time assists champion, among other accolades.

Bird was already a Hall of Famer before the Storm honored her with a rare feat that not even many NBA legends have. On Sunday, her statue was unveiled outside Climate Pledge Arena. The team held the ceremony ahead of a duel against the Phoenix Mercury. 

Shortly after, they shared a video on Instagram, which showed Geno Auriemma paying homage to his former UConn Huskies player. Auriemma and Bird won two NCAA championships together and their relationship has been close ever since.

Geno Auriemma sends emotional message to Sue Bird

Auriemma apologized for not attending the ceremony, but added that Bird’s accolades guaranteed her such a big honor.

Sue Bird

“Honestly, not surprised at all that you’re the first WNBA player that would ever have a statue in front of the building where you made so many memories,” Auriemma said. “But, you were first in everything you tried to do, you know. At UConn, you were first pick, you were first by winning championships in Seattle, first to five gold medals … Now, just a lifetime of firsts and first in games played, first in steals, all that great stuff. We couldn’t be prouder of you. Personally, I’ve obviously loved every minute of watching you play and everything else that you’ve accomplished during your incredible career.”

Bird played 118 games with the Huskies, averaging 11.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, shooting 48.1% from the field, 45.9% from deep, and 89.2% from the free-throw line.