Bird and Taurasi Set For First Matchup

A pair of number one overall picks in the WNBA Draft who teamed together at the University of Connecticut, guards Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi have faced endless comparisons from a media that has touted both as the next great women's basketball player. They've played together both at UConn and on the United States' Olympic tune-up tour last month, but they will square off for the first time tomorrow when the Storm visits the Phoenix Mercury in the preseason opener for both teams and Taurasi's professional debut.

Taurasi was the top pick in this year's draft. NBAE Photos

Still, Taurasi doesn't think the matchup will be a big deal.

"We�ve played against each other in pick-up games and practices," Taurasi told PhoenixMercury.com "It�s still basketball. I don�t see it being any different."

"It�s going to be a lot of fun," said Bird about facing Taurasi. "I�ll get to catch her in her territory in Phoenix. Hopefully it will be a big turnout and I�ll get to personally welcome her into the WNBA."

Two years ago, after Bird and Taurasi helped UConn to an undefeated season and the 2002 NCAA Championship, it was Bird who was in this situation, expected to revive a franchise unsuccessful enough to land the top pick in the draft. That process did not take long, as Bird took command down the stretch to produce a Storm victory in just her third regular-season game. The Storm made the playoffs as Bird was an All-Star and a first-team All-WNBA selection.

Now, fans are wondering, can Taurasi have the same effect in Phoenix? Few are betting against her.

If so, Bird-Taurasi could develop into one of the WNBA's best battles over the next decade, facing two equally successful players with slightly different styles. Bird, who ranked second in the league in assists last season, is the better passer. Taurasi, two inches taller at 5-11, was a bigger scorer in college and is one of the league's biggest point guards if she remains at the position.

Someone who should know thinks the two will be an outstanding matchup to watch.

"Dee�s size against Sue will be interesting and Sue�s experience with her being in the league for a few years will certainly be something for her," said Mercury Coach Carrie Graf, who was an assistant for the Storm when Bird was a rookie in 2002. "If I were a spectator, it would be a nice little clash to watch."

They'll have plenty of opportunities to do so, with the Storm and Mercury meeting again at KeyArena on Sunday, May 16 and four times during the WNBA's regular season.

But there can only be one first time, making Saturday's battle more meaningful than your average preseason game.