In a thrilling WNBA Finals matchup, two University of Connecticut basketball legends find themselves on opposing sides as they chase the ultimate prize. Napheesa Collier, the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, leads the Minnesota Lynx in their quest for a record-breaking fifth championship title. Meanwhile, two-time WNBA MVP and champion Breanna Stewart aims to guide the New York Liberty to their first-ever championship victory.
A Shared Legacy at UConn
Before becoming WNBA superstars, Collier and Stewart shared the court as teammates at the University of Connecticut. In 2016, they led the Huskies to a national championship, cementing their status as two of the program’s most iconic players.
During their time at UConn, both Collier and Stewart achieved remarkable feats:
- They are members of UConn’s exclusive 2,000 points/1,000 rebounds club
- Collier was a two-time first-team All-American
- Stewart won four national championships and was named Most Outstanding Player in each of those tournaments
Collier’s Defensive Dominance
In the 2024 WNBA season, Napheesa Collier showcased her defensive prowess, earning the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award. Her tenacity and skill on the defensive end have been instrumental in the Lynx’s success, as they aim to add another championship banner to their already impressive collection.
Napheesa’s ability to shut down opposing teams’ top scorers is unparalleled. She’s a game-changer on both ends of the court.
According to a close source within the Lynx organization
Stewart’s Offensive Firepower
On the other side of the court, Breanna Stewart’s offensive talents have been the driving force behind the Liberty’s success. The two-time WNBA MVP’s ability to score from anywhere on the floor, combined with her leadership and experience, make her a formidable opponent for any team.
Stewart’s accolades speak for themselves:
- Two-time WNBA champion
- Two-time WNBA Finals MVP
- 2018 WNBA MVP
- 2020 WNBA MVP
An Epic Clash of Huskies
As the WNBA Finals unfold, basketball fans around the world eagerly anticipate the showdown between these two UConn greats. Will Collier’s defensive mastery lead the Lynx to another title, or will Stewart’s offensive firepower propel the Liberty to their first championship?
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: the legacy of UConn women’s basketball will shine brightly on the game’s biggest stage. With a combined six NCAA championships, three WNBA titles, and countless individual accolades between them, Collier and Stewart have already cemented their place among the greatest players in the history of the sport.
A Snapshot of UConn’s WNBA Dominance
Collier and Stewart are just two of the many UConn alumnae who have gone on to have remarkable WNBA careers. Here’s a look at some of the program’s most notable WNBA stars:
| Player | UConn Accolades | WNBA Accolades |
| Sue Bird | 2x National Champion | 4x WNBA Champion, 13x All-Star |
| Maya Moore | 2x National Champion, 2x POY | 4x WNBA Champion, 2014 MVP |
| Diana Taurasi | 3x National Champion | 3x WNBA Champion, 2009 MVP |
| Tina Charles | 2x National Champion, 2010 POY | 2012 MVP, 8x All-Star |
As the Lynx and Liberty battle for WNBA supremacy, the rich history of UConn basketball will be on full display. No matter who comes out on top, the Huskies’ legacy of producing some of the greatest players in the history of the sport will only continue to grow.
