Geno Auriemma has coached some of the greatest basketball players in his UConn coaching career. In more than 40 years, coach Auriemma has nurtured probably the most talented players from one school. UConn’s pedigree is to attract the best high school players and take them to an even higher level. Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, and most recently, Paige Bueckers; the list goes on.
Auriemma has been at the heart of this development. Huskies have reaped the rewards of Geno Auriemma’s long career and loyalty to the program. Another emerging star from UConn is Azzi Fudd. She is in her fifth year of college due to major injury setbacks. Despite losing over a year to different injuries, Azzi has come out stronger every time. She is most probably the face of the team for the Huskies this year.
Apart from hard launching her relationship with ex-teammate and another UConn great Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd has also started her own podcast. She got Geno Auriemma on one of her episodes before UConn legend Sue Bird appeared. During a candid conversation, both Geno and Azzi started picking up legends to make a UConn dream team.
Geno started, picking the most obvious player, Diana Taurasi. If someone had to guess who Geno would pick first, they would probably guess Taurasi. Geno and Diana have always had a special bond. Despite people’s claims of Azzi being his favorite player, Geno’s multiple interviews and podcast appearances hint towards Diana being that player.
Azzi picked Maya Moore as her first pick. Geno then picked Sue Bird. Azzi picked Breanna Stewart. Geno picked his third Hall of Famer in the form of Tina Charles, after which Azzi picked Napheesa Collier. Geno went 4 for 4 on the Hall of Famers and picked Swin Cash, whereas Azzi picked her girlfriend, Paige Bueckers. Geno had a hilarious reaction to her choice. Geno finished his picks with Tamika Williams.
As Azzi was taking time for her fifth pick, Geno made sure to make amends with the players he didn’t pick. But in his own way. He said (24:05):
“all the other players, if you’re out there listening, I’m just doing this for the hell of it. That’s not maybe who I would really pick, but that’s who I picked for this. So, don’t text me and get your panties in a bunch because, you know, you didn’t get picked.”
Then Azzi picked herself.
Geno Auriemma’s team – Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Tina Charles, Swin Cash, and Tamika Williams
Azzi Fudd’s team – Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart, Napheesha Collier, Paige Buecker,s and Azzi Fudd.
Which team do you get?
Geno Auriemma and UConn’s Upcoming Season
Despite Paige Bueckers’ departure, Geno Auriemma’s Huskies have a pretty strong squad. After a commanding freshman season, Sarah Strong looks ready to take her game to another level. KK Arnold has always been a vital part of the squad. Azzi Fudd is expected to take a more leadership role this season.
New additions of Kayleigh Heckel, Blanca Quiñonez, and Serah Williams look set to fit the team nicely. Can Geno Auriemma win back-to-back championships at UConn with this new look squad?
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