Geno Auriemma’s UConn Huskies lost in the Final Four against Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks. It was their first loss of the season, after going on an unbeaten 38-0 run. Losing 48-62 against South Carolina was overshadowed by what happened at the end of the game.
With less than a second to go, Staley walked up to Geno Auriemma to shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The standard gesture turned tense when Auriemma started a heated exchange between the two.
It’s still unclear what Auriemma said, but Staley didn’t back down, and they got into a minute-long verbal spat. The two coaches had to be separated by the coaching staff and players from both sides. Even some game officials had to get involved to prevent things from escalating further.
Although they were successful in keeping them apart, the damage was done. Auriemma was labeled a sour loser, and Staley was hailed for trying to uphold the sportsmanship. Later, Coach Geno was asked about his relationship with Staley.
He said that he doesn’t have any kind of relationship with the Gamecocks’ head coach as they don’t have “a lot in common.” The only time they’ve been on the same side was when Staley was his assistant coach.
She served as an assistant coach under Auriemma for the USA team that won gold at the 2014 FIBA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics. Apart from that, they’ve always been rivals, but they do have mutual respect for one another.
“Dawn was my assistant on the Olympic team, and we’ve been coaching against each other for a long, long time,” he said. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for her for what she has done at South Carolina.”
Coach Geno praised Staley for putting South Carolina back on the map, as before her, the program was struggling for years.
Geno Auriemma Jokingly Hinted at Retirement
At the age of 72, Auriemma is at the top of his game. UConn’s dominance over the last few years and this season’s unbeaten 38-0 run, before the South Carolina loss, proves that he still has a lot to offer.
At the post-game press conference, Auriemma was asked what keeps him motivated to keep going. He jokingly said that he’s not sure if he’s motivated to coach any longer.
“Well, after tonight, I don’t know that I want to continue coaching,” he said.
Coach Geno isn’t even thinking about retirement as of now. His focus will shift toward the upcoming NCAA transfer portal and rebuilding his team for the next season.
Read More:
Geno Auriemma Drops Cryptic Response on Animated Altercation With Dawn Staley
Will Geno Auriemma Retire After Loss vs South Carolina? UConn HC Makes Baffling Comment
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