PRESENTING THE PAST - Paige Bueckers x Nika Muhl, Diana Taurasi x Sue Bird

CHAPTER 9

"This day marks a very special occasion not just for the UConn Women's Basketball program, but also for legends Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, as their daughters are set to debut for the Huskies tonight."

"Yes, Robbie! It's like it's written in the stars. One day, it was just Diana and Sue for UConn, and now it's Paige and Nika. Paige, the top recruit coming out of high school, was supposed to sign with the University of Arizona but found her way home to the University of Connecticut. This 6'0 guard is a complete player for Geno Auriemma; she can create for herself and for others, she can shoot, she can drive to the hoop. That wingspan of hers can protect the basket whether it's in the shaded area or the perimeter. Everyone is excited to see what Paige brings to the table for UConn."

"And on the other hand, Nika, also a guard coming from the west coast, did not have as much spotlight as the other rookies from this class. I am told she juggled basketball and scholastic competitions in high school. She is 5'11, a very good defender, and her energy is unmatchable. Of course, in her DNA is the ability to find open teammates. She's averaging 7.3 assists per game coming out of her senior year, and you know Geno loves to develop those types of guards."

PAIGE

"Hey, what's running inside that big head?" I ask Nika while we are getting ready for tip-off. She rolls her eyes at me and just shakes her head, answering my question with "nothing."

"It's not nothing if I can't see any traces of that Nika Suezana aura." I reply, making her sit down to face me.

"I'm anxious," she says, now rubbing her hands together tightly.

"Hey, relax. It's okay," I whisper to her, holding her hands and giving them a slight massage to help her muscles relax. She bows her head, so I lean forward, making our foreheads touch. I don't care anymore what our teammates will say when they see us, or if they tease us more after this.

I like the teasing, though...

It makes all the Kate Martin energy go away...

"What's wrong, baby? Talk to me..." I whisper to her with the calmest voice I have, still caressing both her hands with mine.

"I'm carrying my mom's name and her number," she says quietly. I get why she's anxious now. It's hard to carry your mom's name, especially when you're playing for the school she made history with.

"Of course, Sue Bird." I say. She pulls back and looks into my eyes. "Pressure's heavy, I know. Who else would understand you better than I do?" I point at my jersey. "Diana Taurasi." I say, giving her a comforting smile.

"How do you do that? Not feel anything before our first game? Carrying your mom's name," she asks me.

"Well, I try not to think about it. I am Paige Madison going out there to play, not Diana Taurasi's daughter," I answer, still holding her hand.

"Easy for you to say." Okay, the attitude is back on for Nika Suezana.

"Baby, I know it's hard carrying their names. But try to play the game for yourself because you love it, not because you are trying to live up to expectations, okay?" I say, taking all the courage I have and bringing her hands close to me, giving them both a kiss. "You'll be fine."

She sighs and nods.

"I want to see that smile... come on, Nika Suezana, give me back my favorite smile." I tease her, and it actually works, putting a smile on her face.