Diana Taurasi, a name that resonates with greatness in the WNBA, is known for her ability on the court and her unmistakable #3 jersey. But what many don’t know is that that number, now synonymous with her legend, wasn’t always meant to be hers.

The Phoenix Mercury star became the first player to reach 10,000 points in 2023. The 20-season WNBA veteran revealed a choice that marked her career forever.

The story that led her to the choice of her Jersey number

The Phoenix Mercury player, who came to the University of Connecticut as a freshman, had no particular attachment to any number. She had worn #9 in honor of Ben Xo, #32 for Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan’s iconic #23 during her high school years. However, upon arriving at college, he had something different in mind: the #0.

With all the confidence of a future star, Diana asked Coach Riemma if she could wear #0. His answer was unexpected: “No, only idiots wear #0.” Confused but determined, Taurasi tried another option, “What about double zero?” The answer was even more telling: “Only idiots wear double zero.”

At that point, Riemma made a suggestion that would change Taurasi’s career forever: “I think you should wear number 3, like Babe Ruth.” The young Taurasi bluntly replied, “Who the hell is Babe Ruth?” But she took the advice, and thus was born the connection between a future basketball legend and one of baseball’s greatest icons.

Today, as the Phoenix Mercury take on the Las Vegas Aces in what promises to be an exciting game, Taurasi’s #3 isn’t just a number. It’s a symbol of her story, of the decisions that led her to become one of the best players in history, and of how sometimes a simple number can define an athlete’s career.