Taurasi is a three-time NCAA champion with the University of Connecticut. She won her final title in 2004 and 48 hours later joined the USA senior national team for their 2004 Olympic preparations. She went on to make the final roster and won gold in Athens. …. Taurasi is no stranger to international competition. She played with the USA at the 2001 FIBA U21 World Championship and was selected to the All-Tournament team. She also suited up with the national side at the 2006 FIBA World Championship for Women, in which the United States finished in third place. …. She is one of only five players to win the Naismith Player of the Year award twice (2003 and 2004). …. Taurasi was the number one pick in the 2004 WNBA draft and averaged 17 points 4.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game in her rookie year with the Phoenix Mercury. The 2006-2007 season was her second season in European basketball.