For decades, the Connecticut Huskies women’s basketball team has been the standard of excellence in college hoops. With 11 national championships under their belt, the Paige Bueckers-lead Huskies are no strangers to deep tournament runs.
However, the secret to that success is coach Geno Auriemma, who has led the team since 1985. His level of game-planning has even led his own players to refer to him as an “evil genius.”
Paige Bueckers Calls Her Coach An “Evil Genius”
Despite its rich history, UConn hasn’t won a national title since 2016, an unusually long drought for a program that once seemed unstoppable.
This year, led by superstar guard Paige Bueckers, the No. 2 seed Huskies are determined to bring the national championship trophy back to Storrs, Conn. Their journey begins on Saturday afternoon against No. 15 seed Arkansas State.
Few coaches in college basketball history have been as influential as Geno Auriemma, the mastermind behind UConn’s dynasty. Since taking over in 1985, Auriemma has transformed UConn into a powerhouse.
“I like to call him an evil genius. He knows everything.” @paigebueckers1
Paige Bueckers and @azzi_35 on how impactful @UConnWBB Head Coach Geno Auriemma is in their life ⬇️ https://t.co/7ksUWPXOjJ pic.twitter.com/zbDBpQ8RgX
— Freddie and Harry (@FreddieandHD) March 19, 2025
“I like to call him an evil genius,” Bueckers said.
“He knows everything. He’s been through everything. He has so much wisdom. There’s nothing that he hasn’t experienced in life. Like Azzi [Fudd] said, just going up to his office, getting knowledge from him, getting wisdom, asking him for advice.”
Bueckers’ respect for Auriemma reflects what many UConn greats have felt before her. His unmatched attention to detail and expectation of perfection have molded some of the greatest players in women’s basketball history.
However, beyond the X’s and O’s, Auriemma’s impact extends far beyond the court, influencing his players’ mental approach and preparation for challenges at the next level.
UConn’s success isn’t just about talent—it’s about mindset. Auriemma has never been the type of coach to sugarcoat things. He pushes his players to their absolute limits, ensuring they develop the toughness needed to compete at the highest level.
“He challenges you in ways that you never know you could be challenged before,” Bueckers explained.
“That makes you grow as a person, as a player, mentally, physically. And it’s everything you came to UConn for, to be challenged and to have an honest coach like that.”
For Bueckers, who is expected to be the No. 1 pick in next month’s WNBA Draft, this season is about more than just winning a title. It’s about solidifying her legacy as one of UConn’s greatest players and proving that she can lead a team to a championship.
Fudd, an elite shooter and key contributor, will be just as crucial in UConn’s quest to return to the top.
The Road to a National Title
While the Huskies are one of the tournament’s most battle-tested teams, their path to the championship is anything but easy.
To win it all, UConn will need to lean on their experience, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure. But as March Madness has proven time and time again, no team can afford to take anything for granted.
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With Auriemma’s guidance and Bueckers’ leadership, the Huskies are prepared to fight for every win as they chase their 12th national title. The journey starts now—and this time, they’re determined to finish it on top.
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