Diana Taurasi gives verdict on Nika Muhl with fellow UConn grad fighting for WNBA spot

UConn legend Diana Taurasi praised Huskies product Nika Muhl, who was recently drafted by the Seattle Storm, after the pair faced off in WNBA preseason action this past week.

Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi is fiercely loyal to almost everyone who played college basketball at UConn. So, the Huskies legend was eager to go head to head with Seattle Storm rookie Nika Muhl after the Croatia-born guard helped their alma mater to the NCAA Tournament’s Final Four.

After some physical play between Taurasi and Muhl during their WNBA preseason game this past week, the veteran gave a positive verdict of Muhl’s abilities. Taurasi hopes Muhl can nail down a regular-season roster spot with the Storm after the franchise used a second-round pick on her.

“I’ve been a fan of Nika since she got to the school,” Taurasi told reporters. “I mean, she plays with that, that grit. She has that Eastern Bloc mindset, which nothing is given to them and I just love the way she works and she’s gonna have a hell of a career, because she loves the game, because she’s selfless.

Taurasi added: “She plays for the team. It’s always nice to have a fellow Husky around. We’ve gone through the same experiences with Coach (Geno Auriemma), so I’m just happy for her.”

UConn basketball is famous for being like an extended family for players, and the program’s success has fed the WNBA some of its most legendary talents, including three-time champion Taurasi.

Muhl spent much of her NCAA career not expecting to wind up in the WNBA. Her scoring numbers at UConn (5.8 career points per game) were far below the typical professional prospect. However, she flashed superb defense and passing skills in her fourth and final season under head coach Geno Auriemma, and a strong March Madness landed her on the Storm