Cynthia Cooper Names Her All-Time USC Trojans Lineup to Face UConn Legends
Hall of Famer Cynthia Cooper revealed her all-time USC Trojans lineup to hypothetically battle UConn’s greatest legends—and the star power is off the charts. With legends like Cheryl Miller, Lisa Leslie, Diana Taurasi, and Sue Bird in the mix, this dream-team debate reignites the rivalry between two of women’s basketball’s most iconic programs.
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 30: (L-R) Cassie Harberts #11, head coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke and Ariya Crook #14 of the USC Trojans look on during the post-game press conference after the game against the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion on December 30, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Golden/Getty Images)
Only a handful of programs hold the historic weight of the USC Trojans and the UConn Huskies regarding women’s college basketball royalty. Both schools’ legacies, from Cheryl Miller’s dominance in the 1980s to Breanna Stewart’s championship runs in the 2010s, have been built upon excellence, championships, and Hall of Fame careers.
Cynthia Cooper-Dyke has contributed to the debate about which college program has produced the most legendary women’s basketball talent. The USC icon and Hall of Famer recently shared her all-time Trojans lineup with LandonBuford.com, and her picks were nothing short of historic.
“I’m going to take the 1983 team. Gosh—but can we get a sixth and seventh player?
Man, said Cynthia Cooper.”
LandonBuford.com: Can get whatever you want!
“Alright then, I’m going with Rhonda Windham at the point guard position, myself—Cynthia Cooper—at the two, Cheryl Miller at the three, Paula McGee at the four, and Pam McGee at the five.
And then I’m bringing Tina Thompson and Lisa Leslie off the bench.”
Stacked with Hall of Fame Legends
Cooper’s lineup isn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane—it’s a team with power that features some of the greatest women ever to play the game.
Every member of her starting five, along with Leslie and Thompson off the bench, went on to either the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame or the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. This collection of talent has defined generations, and women’s basketball has gained global prominence because of it.
Rhonda Windham – The floor general and former USC standout
Cynthia Cooper – Four-time WNBA champion and two-time MVP
Cheryl Miller – One of the most dominant players in history
Paula McGee – A vital force in USC’s 1983 championship run
Pam McGee – Olympic gold medalist and fierce post presence
Tina Thompson – The first-ever WNBA draft pick and 4-time champ
Lisa Leslie – Three-time WNBA MVP and two-time WNBA champion
It’s hard to disagree with the Trojans’ dominance with such a resume. However, the University of Connecticut is the school that can compete with USC star-for-star.
The UConn Huskies Respond
Sue Bird, a former Huskies player and one of the most decorated women’s basketball players, responded to the hypothetical matchup. Despite the squad’s 39-0 record in the 2001-02 season, she remained loyal and selected her senior class as the ultimate five.
“I have to pick the starting five from my senior year mainly because I think it is one of the best-starting fives that UConn had, and I think what we did that year speaks for itself,” said Bird. “Those are my people—those were my experiences in Connecticut with Tameka Williams, Swin Cash, Asjha Jones, and Diana Taurasi. That would be my five, and I would go to war with anybody, to be honest, with those other four. USC is tough, though.”
Bird’s loyalty is a testament to the extent of talent UConn has produced over the years. Players that are either Hall of Famers or will be in the future include Rebecca Lobo, Jennifer Rizzotti, Kara Wolters, Tina Charles, Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi.
Lisa Leslie Weighs In
Lisa Leslie, one of the best players at USC, couldn’t resist sharing her own hypothetical lineup. She agreed with Cooper about the Trojans’ strength while also acknowledging the defensive issues faced by UConn’s shooters.
“At the center position, we would have me. At the one, Cooper—so we are really loaded,” said Leslie. “I’d have Cheryl Miller at the two and Tina Thompson at the three… but we might be in trouble defensively. I’ll let Pam [McGee] handle the physical stuff at the four. I know Tina can’t guard [Diana] Taurasi—we might have to put Coop on her. But that’s a good question!”
Stewart Backs UConn
Bird’s former Seattle Storm teammate, Breanna Stewart, who is now with the New York Liberty, supported the Huskies.
“Obviously, looking at USC and the legends that have been created from that program—and the same with UConn—if that was able to happen, my money is on UConn,” Stewart said. “I gotta stay with the home team, but it really makes you think about the all-time greats from both schools.”
Beyond the Lineups: A Celebration of Women’s Basketball Greatness
Although this matchup may only exist in our imaginations or possibly on NBA 2k, it reveals the profound respect and competitive nature that characterize the women’s game. These hypothetical lineups are more than just fantasy sports.
They’re a testament to the legacies of programs that laid the groundwork for today’s stars. Both programs have elevated and inspired the sport, whether you support USC’s vintage dominance or UConn’s dynastic brilliance, regardless of your side. The debate isn’t just about who will win—it’s about saluting the icons who forever altered the game.
