Geno Auriemma is one of the greatest coaches of all time. In more than 40 years of coaching women’s basketball, Geno has not only won everything but also produced some of the greatest talents in college basketball. His list includes Rebecca Lobo, Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart, Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and Sarah Strong.
Bueckers had a shaky career at UConn in terms of her availability. She struggled with multiple injuries at different times in her career, and an ACL tear sidelined her for one entire season. Paige decided to play her redshirt senior season, and that might have been her best decision.
The UConn Huskies finally ended their nine-year wait for a national championship. Auriemma won his 12th NCAA title in 2025, and Paige went on to become the No. 1 pick in the following WNBA Draft.
Recently, Paige returned to UConn, as the Huskies were practicing for their Sweet 16 game against the North Carolina Tar Heels. She brought positivity with her, as all her former teammates were glad to see her again. However, Geno, being his hilarious self, did not really enjoy Bueckers’ company. He jokingly recalled the difficult time he had while coaching Paige and compared her with another problematic player of his, Diana Taurasi.
“We had dinner with Paige last night and listened to her speak. It reminded me of how much those five years took off my life. Listening to the things that she says. And the interesting thing is I lived through it with Diana, and they’re the only two that put me through that,” Coach Auriemma hilariously shared.
“Sarah thinks the same things. She just doesn’t say them. And we catch her every once in a while, saying it under her breath. So right now, I’m kind of enjoying this phase. Junior year, senior year, I might not be the same, but she enjoys being coached. She enjoys being right. She’s just like every other great player I’ve ever coached,” Geno added.
Fans React to Geno Auriemma’s Hilarious Statement About Paige Bueckers & Diana Taurasi
Everybody knows how playful and sarcastic Coach Auriemma is, especially when it comes to his favorite players. When the topic is Geno’s favorite players, Diana Taurasi often enters the conversation. Another player who slowly but surely made her space on the list is Paige Bueckers. Fans loved the coach’s hilarious comments as always.
Here are some of the fan reactions:
“Paige really put Geno on blood pressure medication,” one fan joked.
“He loves those two so much! Haha!” another claimed.
“Love this guy, man. My fav coach /college team (mmb & wbb). He’s had so many GREATS under his wing,” one fan shared.
“Geno is so unserious and we love him,” another said.
“Could we get a redo and have DT and Paige play for Geno at the same time?” one fan floated a hilarious hypothetical idea.
“She and DT hold very special places in Geno’s heart,” another commented.
Read more:
Azzi Fudd Jokingly Calls Out “Nosy” Journalist; Reveals 1 Thing UConn Needs to Win the NCAA Title
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