UConn's Geno Auriemma Questions NCAA Tournament Setup, Prep FORT WORTH, Texas — UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma once again criticized the NCAA for its decisions surrounding the women’s basketball tournament, expressing frustration over the organization’s approach to the event. Speaking at a news conference the day before his team’s Elite Eight matchup against Notre Dame, Auriemma reiterated his concerns about the tournament’s two-site regional format, calling the decisions “a goddamn game” that needs to be better understood. Auriemma, a 12-time national champion and the sport’s winningest coach, has long voiced dissatisfaction with the NCAA’s shift from a four-site regional format to a two-site model, which debuted in 2023. The NCAA has confirmed the two-site setup will remain for at least five more seasons. Auriemma argued that the current system creates logistical challenges for teams, including reduced practice time and inconsistent shootaround schedules. For example, the Huskies’ Friday shootaround was not held at Dickies Arena, the primary venue for the regional, while Notre Dame’s practice time was scheduled for the evening of the game. Auriemma noted that his team’s practice time was set for 6:30 p.m. that evening, highlighting the lack of flexibility in the schedule. The coach also criticized the NCAA for bringing in new equipment, such as basketballs and baskets, for the regional games, which he claimed disrupts the normal flow of play. Auriemma pointed to the poor shooting performances of teams in the Sweet 16, including UConn’s 4-for-20 three-point shooting, as evidence of the issue. “How many arenas are we going to sell out with that bulls---?” he asked, expressing skepticism about the NCAA’s focus on attendance over player performance. Other coaches echoed Auriemma’s concerns.#ncaa #notre_dame #uconn #geno_auriemma #david_benedict
