UConn’s Geno Auriemma Sparks Debate Over NCAA Tournament Format | Latest Sports News

This is not the first time UConn’s head coach Geno Auriemma has been outspoken about the NCAA’s recent restructuring of the Women’s March Madness tournament. Last year, Auriemma criticized the lack of rest days given to the women in comparison to their men counterparts.

This year, Auriemma is specifically angry about the choice to go from four regional sites to two and how that has affected the play on the court, equipment issues, practice and media times, as well as the lack of coaching and player input in the decision.

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He said in his opening statement during the press availability on Saturday morning, March 28, “’I’m going read you some numbers, okay? Write them down. 4 for 20, 4 for 22, 1 for 17, 5 for 18, 4 for 16, 7 for 26. That’s the three-point shooting yesterday across the country. How many arenas are we going to sell out with that bullshit? Now, maybe it was just a bad day shooting by everybody. These are all teams that average probably 30, over 30, for the season. Know what time our shoot-around was yesterday? 6:00 in the morning. 6:20, I think, for half an hour.”

He continued and pointed to the poor performances and how they are going to impact growing the game and increasing fan attendance. He explained, “I just don’t understand some of the decisions that are made about our game when we’re trying to grow the Goddamn game. And I’m thrilled to be playing Notre Dame, because they’re damn good right now.”

Auriemma also detailed that the choice to use brand new equipment could be causing some of the issues in game. He exclaimed, “Do you want to know the reason for these shooting percentages? I think they bring in new baskets, new basketballs right out of the box. Got people dribbling the ball off their feet. You got people missing layups all over the place. You bounce the ball, and it goes up to the ceiling. There’s just no concept of how basketball is played.”

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Again, Auriemma’s frustration seemed to be at the lack of voice in the process. He stated, “I think the lack of coaches’ input, and I don’t mean like send a survey out to 375 schools and say what do you think. A survey of, like, 30 teams that have consistently played in regionals and Final Fours and how does this work and why?”

Further, Auriemma pointed to the hope that he was speaking up for other coaches who were angry about the choices and changes that have been made for the women’s tournament, “Hopefully I’m speaking for the other coaches. Some coaches might think I’m full of it. And this is not about UConn. I hope everybody understands that. This is not about us, because you know, we’ve managed to go to the Final Four and win national championships no matter where they’re played, when they’re played, what time they’re played, whatever.”

He continued, “I think there is a level of frustration right now among the coaches that’s higher than any time I’ve ever seen it.”

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