Breanna Stewart has spoken, and if you’re one of those daring to throw shade at Geno Auriemma, you might want to grab a helmet. The two-time WNBA MVP and former UConn superstar isn’t having any of the criticism aimed at her legendary coach. She’s here to remind everyone of the golden rule: you can’t discredit greatness—especially when it’s dressed in 11 national championships and enough wins to give calculators a headache.
In an interview with Hannah Storm, Stewart reminisced about her time under Auriemma, who recently became the all-time winningest coach in college basketball. But instead of basking in universal admiration, Auriemma has faced skepticism from, well, people who probably couldn’t run a successful lemonade stand, let alone a college basketball dynasty.
“Coach Auriemma’s the greatest, and, you know, I’ve known it,” Stewart said, likely rolling her eyes at the mere existence of doubters. “He’s the all-time winningest coach in collegiate history — it’s something that’s actually insane. And I’m really happy for him because, you know, sometimes he gets discredited or, you know, a lot of opinions here and there, but you can’t discredit greatness. That’s really it.”
Yes, folks, greatness isn’t a buffet. You don’t get to pick and choose what to respect. Auriemma’s career reads like a fever dream of dominance: 11 national championships, a conveyor belt of WNBA legends, and, oh yeah, that 114-game win streak that made everyone else look like they were playing pickup basketball in flip-flops.
From UConn to the WNBA: A Stewart-Approved Blueprint
Breanna Stewart isn’t just any alumna. She’s the alumna, the Michael Jordan of Huskies hoops. Four years, four championships, and enough accolades to make your resume blush. Drafted first overall in 2016, she’s since added two WNBA titles and two MVP awards to her trophy case—because why stop winning just because you’ve graduated?
Stewart credits Auriemma for shaping her into the force she is today. “For these young kids, these players that are there now, I really hope they just appreciate and enjoy this moment because he is one of one,” she said. Translation: If you’re lucky enough to play for Auriemma, stop taking selfies during practice and soak it all in.
Current UConn Stars: Carrying the Torch
Speaking of soaking it all in, Paige Bueckers seems to be doing just that. The junior guard is lighting up the stat sheet this season, averaging 20.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists while leading UConn to a flawless 7-0 start. If the WNBA draft gods are kind, she’ll follow in Stewart’s footsteps as the No. 1 pick in 2025.
But here’s the kicker: even with stars like Bueckers keeping the tradition alive, Auriemma still finds himself facing critics. Maybe it’s jealousy. Maybe it’s boredom. Or maybe some people just enjoy being wrong.
The Final Word
Breanna Stewart isn’t here to debate Geno Auriemma’s legacy. She’s here to end the conversation. “All the national championships, all the players that have gone through that program, we wouldn’t be where we are without him,” she said.
So, to anyone still doubting Geno: You can’t argue with banners. They’re hanging in the rafters for a reason, and Stewart just made sure you won’t forget it anytime soon.
