Bird

Rizzotti

NEW YORK (Jan. 28, 2003) -- Connecticut has been a hotbed for top-notch women's hoops for many years now, as former University of Connecticut standouts and current WNBA stars Sue Bird and Jennifer Rizzotti well know. However, the action's only going to get hotter in 2003 with the addition of a WNBA franchise -- the Connecticut Sun. Here's what Bird and Rizzotti had to say about the new franchise.

Q: Are you happy to see women's basketball fans in Connecticut rewarded with a WNBA team?

Sue Bird: Yes! I've had the privilege of playing in Connecticut for the past four years, and so I know first-hand how supportive these fans are. I think they will adopt this WNBA team just like they did the UConn teams.

Jennifer Rizzotti: I'm very excited that a WNBA team is coming to Connecticut. The fans here deserve to have their own team to cheer for, and it will be a lot of fun for me to have my friends and family come to the games when Cleveland comes to town.

Q: Can you describe your experience at UConn, and do you the think that enthusiasm will carry over to the WNBA?

Bird: Playing at UConn was a wonderful experience and part of that is the fans. They truly are the best out there when it comes to loyalty, support and just being a great fan! I honestly do belive that the WNBA team will be a success because of the fan base. It may take some time, but once this new team becomes part of the Connecticut culture, it'll be a long-time relationship.

Rizzotti: I still believe there are no fans like Connecticut fans (and I'm not trying to slight the fans anywhere else). I think the people in the state become so attached to the players after watching them play so many games, and they will be so excited to have those players brought back to play in-state night after night. I think the fans here have missed having a professional team to cheer for since the Blizzard left, and they will go out of their way to show the WNBA and the country that they didn't make a mistake by bringing the team to Connecticut. In other words, yes, the successes of the past bode well for the future.

Q: Any reaction to the winning streak that UConn is on and the fact that the team is continuing the momentum that you helped create? Surprised at all that they've been able to stay at the top without you, Tamika, Swin and Asjha?

Bird: I'm not surprised at all. I think the girls on the team have done a great job thus far, and I wish them continued success. While I'm sure all the players from last year's team as well as this year's team would like to take all the credit, I think this streak is a great example of how the program is truly one of the best in the country with the best coaching staff. To have two completely different years, with a completely different roster play at the same high level...it goes to show you how effective Coach Auriemma and his staff are!