BEAVERTON, Ore.: Today, Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE), announced the signing of Maya Moore, two-time NCAA Women’s Basketball National Champion and college basketball’s all-time leader in games won as a player. One of the most decorated athletes in the history of collegiate sports, Moore becomes the first female basketball player to join the Jordan Brand.

Recognized as one of the greatest collegiate women’s basketball players to ever play, Moore led the University of Connecticut Huskies to back-to-back NCAA titles in 2009 and 2010. During her tenure at UCONN, she re-wrote college basketball’s record books by leading the Huskies to a 150-4 record, including an NCAA Division I basketball record 90-game win streak.

“I am thrilled to welcome Maya Moore into the Jordan Brand,” said Michael Jordan. “Not only has Maya proven to be a prolific winner on the court, but her hunger and determination to make an impact off the court makes her a valuable addition to the Jordan family. We look forward to working with Maya as she carries her success to the next level.”

Boasting numerous career accolades which includes earning two National Player of the Year awards (2010, 2011), three Academic All-American awards (2009-2011), four National All-American awards (2008-11), and most recently being named the top overall pick in the 2011 WNBA draft by the Minnesota Lynx, the 6’0” forward will join a renowned lineup of Jordan Brand athletes highlighted by Derek Jeter, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Andre Johnson among others.

“As a student of the game, it is a dream come true to align myself with a brand that has a rich history in sports,” said Maya Moore. “Like most kids, I grew up idolizing Michael Jordan and continue to work relentlessly to reach his iconic status on the court. I’m truly motivated to take my career to the next level as a member of Team Jordan.”

About Jordan Brand

Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc., is a premium brand of athletic footwear, apparel and accessories inspired by the dynamic legacy, vision and direct involvement of Michael Jordan. The brand made its debut in 1997 and has grown into a complete collection of sport performance and lifestyle product. The Jordan Brand remains active in the community through its new corporate responsibility program WINGS for the Future, focusing on three unique community programs emphasizing Education, Sport and Creativity.

For more information on Jordan Brand, visit www.Jumpman23.com.

BRISTOL, Conn. – University of Connecticut senior forward Maya Moore has been selected by the Minnesota Lynx with the No. 1 pick of the 2011 WNBA Draft on Monday afternoon at ESPN Studios in Bristol, Conn.

Moore is the 12th Husky chosen in the first round of the WNBA Draft and the fourth UConn player in history to be selected as the No. 1 pick overall joining Diana Taurasi (2004), Sue Bird (2002) and Tina Charles (2010).

Moore finished her career UConn’s all-time leading scorer, with 3,036 career points. She also ranks second in school history in made three-pointers (311) and rebounds (1,276). In 2011, she averaged 22.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 4.0 assists.

Moore led UConn to four straight Final Fours and two national titles, while serving as an integral part of her team’s historic 90-game win streak that spanned three seasons. Her team won 150 of the 154 games it played during her career. She is a four-time Academic All-American and was honored as the Capital One University Division Academic All-American of the Year in each of the last two seasons.

Moore is the 23rd Husky selected in the WNBA Draft since the league’s inception in 1997. UConn has now had a player selected in the WNBA Draft 12 times in the past 14 years. Connecticut did not have any seniors on its roster in 2003 or 2007.

Photo credit: AP Photo

Towards the end of today’s WNBA All-Star Game at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT, former UConn Huskies All-American center Tina Charles asked her Team USA Basketball coach and former college coach Geno Auriemma if she could shoot a three pointer.

Of course with Geno being Geno, he obliged her offer and even said he’d give her $50 if she made it and she had to give him $25 if she missed.

Rather than spoil what happens, I’ll let you enjoy the video of the hilarity that ensued:

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Here’s a behind the scenes look from ESPN into the life of former UConn Huskies All-American and current Phoenix Mercury Diana Taurasi.

For those UConn Huskies women’s basketball fans looking to get their UConn fix over the summer, you are in luck.

Comcast Sports New England will be airing seven Connecticut Sun games over the course of the 2010 WNBA season. Boston Celtics play-by-play announcer Mike Gorman will have the call and former UConn great Rebecca Lobo will provide the color commentary.

And if you didn’t know, the Sun boast three former Huskies on their roster. They are Asjha Jones, Renee Montgomery and Tina Charles.

CSN New England will kick-off their coverage this Friday night at 7 p.m. when the Sun will take on the Atlanta Dream in Hotlanta.

Here’s the full schedule (former Huskies listed next to game time):

• Fri, May 21 @ Atlanta Dream – 7 p.m. (no Huskies)
• Fri, June 11 vs. Indiana Fever – 7:30 p.m. (Jessica Moore)
• Fri, June 25 vs. Phoenix Mercury – 7:30 p.m. (Diana Taurasi, Ketia Swanier)
• Sun, June 27 @ NY Liberty – 4 p.m. (Kalana Greene)
• Sat, July 24 vs. LA Sparks – 7 p.m. (no Huskies)
• Tue, August 3 @ Minnesota Lynx – 8 p.m. (Charde Houston)
• Tue, August 17 vs. Tulsa Shock – 7:30 p.m. (no Huskies)

To find out what channel Comcast Sports New England is on your cable or satellite provider, head over to the CSN New England website.

The 2009 WNBA All-Star Game will be held on Saturday, July 26th at 3:30 PM at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. The game will be nationally televised on ABC.

Here are the rosters for the game:

*Lisa Leslie of the Los Angeles Sparks has been replaced by Nicole Powell of the Sacramento Monarchs

Besides doing a blog with her best friend Sue Bird, aptly named the Buddy Blog, Diana Taurasi has joined the ranks of athlete bloggers over at Yardbarker.

She’s pretty funny over there so I highly suggest checking it out when you have the time.