Storm game will feature UConn guard duo

Memories of Sue Bird still float in the rafters at Connecticut, but she wasn't who Renee Montgomery idolized. Bird, meeting Montgomery at a UConn practice during the latter's freshman season, was more of a friend with basketball knowledge.

Occasionally Montgomery, now a Minnesota rookie, would ask for advice, but their online conversations focused on life. Still, coming from the Connecticut system, they'll mirror each other tonight as Bird's Storm (3-2) hosts the Lynx (4-2) at KeyArena.

"They have that point-guard bond," said Storm forward Swin Cash, who starred with Bird at Connecticut from 1998-2002. "It's important. It's always good to try to give back."

Montgomery, a 5-foot-7 point guard, nearly mimicked Bird's college career down to the undefeated senior season. Montgomery's Huskies team was 39-0 in winning the NCAA championship in April, defeating opponents by an average of 30.5 points.

The title — sixth in UConn history — sparked a debate about which undefeated team was better, including Bird's squad that went 39-0 in 2002.

"I say theirs is better," said Montgomery, who began playing basketball because of her two older sisters. "Once it's done before, you can actually see it's capable of doing and it's easier to [follow]."

Bird shrugs at the question, knowing she's not going against her former team, whose starting five was all top-six draft picks. Bird, who leads the WNBA in assists (6.6), just enjoyed another run by her school and watching Montgomery grow as a point guard.

"I watched a lot of games on Slingbox," Bird said of the Internet tool, which provided her with television access while she played overseas. "I would ask if I could tell her something and try to help her out. But we're more friends than anything. I don't anticipate doing that anymore. Not because she's the competition, because she's older and can do her own thing."

Although difficult to notice during a game, some Storm players witnessed similarities between Bird and Montgomery, who is a reserve.

Last week, Seattle defeated the Lynx 88-71 in Minnesota. Montgomery, helping the team make a late run in the fourth quarter, finished with 10 points and three assists. Bird tallied 15 points, nine assists, and seven turnovers.

"I can see the poise," Storm guard Tanisha Wright said. "For a rookie, Renee is really poised and Sue is, too. Every once in a while she [Sue] gets a little crazy, but for the most part, she keeps her composure."

Storm forward Lauren Jackson agreed, taking the similarities further.

"Renee's definitely one of the Connecticut kids, you can tell," Jackson said. "She's got that fire in her belly."

Minnesota will have a different look tonight with forward Seimone Augustus out due to a left knee injury. Averaging 21 points, Augustus spoke with coach Jennifer Gillom after her evaluation on Thursday and it appears she'll be out for the season. Official word is expected today.

Jayda Evans: 206-464-2067 or jevans@seattletimes.com