Nika Muhl explains origins of Seattle Storm jersey number that has UConn tie.

WNBA rookie guard Nika Muhl chose jersey No. 1 after Sue Bird advised it, symbolizing a “new beginning” as she makes her Seattle Storm debut against the Indiana Fever

Rookie Seattle Storm guard Nika Muhl has chosen No. 1 as her jersey number after a conversation with team icon Sue Bird, who famously sported the No. 10 uniform that Muhl wore during her time at UConn, where they both attended.

After becoming a second-round pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Muhl had the opportunity to share her decision-making process in a 30-second social media video released by the WNBA. In the clip, the Croatian guard revealed how she considered her past association with the No. 10 jersey and her admiration for Bird before ultimately deciding on the No. 1 Storm jersey.

Muhl’s default jersey choice would have been the same as she donned at UConn. But the number was unavailable as it had been retired in honor of Bird during a ceremony held at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle in 2023, commemorating her remarkable 21-year career, all spent with the Storm. Bird is now part of the organization’s ownership group.

“We all know No. 10 is a retired number for Sue, so I FaceTimed Sue, and I asked her what number I should wear. She took a day to think about it and came back with the answer of No. 1,” explained Muhl. “When I asked her why the No. 1, she basically said, ‘This is a new beginning, but you’re not starting from scratch.’ I loved that whole analogy and the whole story. So Sue picked it and I love it.”

After missing the season’s first four games due to visa issues, Muhl is anticipated to debut with the Storm against No. 1 overall draft pick Caitlin Clark and the winless Indiana Fever. The Storm have a 1-3 record, indicating a rough start to their season without their star guard.

Muhl stepped into the WNBA runway scene for her much-anticipated debut and made a bold fashion statement. Despite her travel troubles, she arrived in a white cropped tee featuring an image of her face with an “approved” stamp over a mockup of her official visa. She paired it with a denim pleated skirt, a large black patent leather handbag, and matching knee-high boots. She completed the look with a pair of black sunglasses, as fans joked that she saved the shirt for a special occasion.

The Storm coaching staff believed that Muhl possessed first-round talent despite being a second-round pick. The former Huskies guard was scouted as a great on-court and cultural fit for Seattle.

Her ability to push the pace in transition, set up teammates, and be a vocal leader has ironically drawn comparisons to Bird, a franchise legend. When discussing the team’s eagerness to see Muhl in WNBA action, Head coach Noelle Quinn said” “It’s going to be good to have Nika in the mix, just to have another point guard on the floor.

“And taking about the leadership, the presence that she has, what she can do defensively. She is all of 5’10, 5’11, whatever she’s listed at, and she’s very tough and strong and physical.”