Geno Auriemma has been the head coach of the UConn Huskies since 1985. In a stint that spans over four decades, Auriemma has coached some of the best players of all time, including Diana Taurasi and Paige Bueckers.
Taurasi played for UConn from 2000 to 2004 and three-peated the NCAA title from 2002 to 2004. Two decades since Taurasi’s debut, Bueckers arrived, and then she helped add another NCAA championship win to Auriemma’s resume.
Coach Geno still has great relationships with his former players. During a press conference ahead of the Sweet 16 matchup, he said that he went to dinner with Bueckers last night and his interactions with her made him realize something.
“We had dinner with Paige last night, and listening to her speak, it reminded me of how much those five years took off of my life, listening to the things that she says. And the interesting thing is, I lived through it with Diana. They’re the only two that put me through that,” he said.
Coach Geno said it all with a smile on his face, which shows the kind of relationship he has with Bueckers. She is now with the Dallas Wings in the WNBA, and she has established herself as one of the best players in the league.
Auriemma’s other star player, Diana Taurasi, played 20 years in the WNBA. She spent her entire career with the Phoenix Mercury and is widely regarded as the greatest player in women’s basketball history.
Taurasi is also the most decorated Olympic athlete in any team sport with six gold medals while representing the USA women’s national basketball team.
Geno Auriemma Pushed Back on the New UConn Narrative
UConn has dominated college basketball for years. They produce the best seasons, best players, and consistently win more trophies. This year, they’ve been on an undefeated run after 36 games in the season.
The new narrative around UConn is that they’re better now than they were when Bueckers played for them. During Bueckers’ last season, the Huskies weren’t undefeated. They lost three games.
“No, I don’t like that narrative,” he said. “I don’t know that you take away one of the top five players in the WNBA off your team and say you’re better.”
The Huskies have averaged more points per game and have been better defensively as well, but Coach Geno doesn’t think it’s fair to compare the two teams and involve Bueckers in the conversation.
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