Legendary UConn head coach Geno Auriemma is not someone who shies away from public critique of his players, even if it’s after a dominant victory. Following the Huskies’ 84-48 blowout victory over the Seton Hall Pirates, Auriemma turned his attention to sophomore star Sarah Strong.
He jokingly labelled her a “sucker” for her unselfishness on the hardwood. Despite her elite efficiency and playmaking, the Hall of Famer expressed a unique frustration with Strong’s tendency to pass up open looks, suggesting that her desire to be a perfect teammate might actually be holding the Huskies back from their full offensive potential.
Auriemma’s remark comes from a specific psychological hurdle that he wants Strong to get over, which is the fear of missing shots. During the post-game presser, Auriemma told reporters:
“She’s just got to get rid of that, ‘If I miss, I’m hurting my team’ [mindset].”
However, he bluntly countered her logic, asserting that her reluctance to shoot is the real issue.
“No, if you pass it, you’re hurting our team the last three games. Sucker,” Auriemma added.
This tough love approach mirrors the tactics Auriemma famously used with Paige Bueckers. He would repeatedly urge Bueckers to be more selfish and aggressive as the team’s primary scoring threat.
This interaction also shed light on the candid, often sharp-witted dynamic between Auriemma and his roster. He highlighted his blunt exchange with his roster using this phrase:
“That’s how women talk to men.”
Here, the 11-time national champion pointed towards the honest and sometimes defiant communication he shares with his players. While the tag he had for Sarah Strong was delivered with a grin, the message for the rest of the NCAA is clear. Auriemma is now pushing for Strong to develop a killer instinct.
If the versatile forward begins hunting her own shot as aggressively as she hunts for her teammates, the UConn Huskies will be virtually unstoppable as they march toward another deep tournament run.
How Does Auriemma’s Implication for Sarah Strong Actually Apply?
The numbers suggest that Sarah Strong is nearly impossible to guard. Yet, her biggest opponent is her altruism. In 15 games this season, Strong is averaging a stellar 18.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, all while shooting an efficient 58.4% from the field. However, Geno Auriemma believes her instinct to facilitate is becoming a handicap that bogs down the Huskies’ offense.
Auriemma’s push for a more aggressive approach for Strong to imbibe in herself is something any coach would suggest. He wants to establish a terrifying offensive hierarchy, with Strong leading the way.
Despite her 42.6% accuracy from the deep, she often defers to teammates, a habit Auriemma wants Strong to break to reach Player of the Year potential. He insists the best way to support the squad is to embrace the killer instinct, the same one that saw her drop 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals against Seton Hall.
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