UConn coach Geno Auriemma criticizes NCAA women's tournament logistics

University of Connecticut women's basketball head coach Geno Auriemma voiced strong criticism of the NCAA's women's tournament format after his team's 82-52 victory over second-seeded Southern California in a Sweet 16 game on March 30, 2024, at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.[1][2]

The 70-year-old Auriemma, who has coached UConn since 1985 and won a record 11 NCAA Division I championships,[3] argued that the NCAA fails to consult coaches and players before making decisions on scheduling and facilities.

Auriemma opened his postgame news conference by citing poor three-point shooting in the six Sweet 16 games played on March 29: UConn 4-for-20 against USC, Iowa 5-for-18, LSU 4-for-16, South Carolina 7-for-26, Duke 4-for-16 and Oregon State 4-for-22.[1]

With eight teams sharing each regional arena for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, Auriemma highlighted scheduling issues, including UConn's shootaround at 6:20 a.m. ET the previous day for 30 minutes and a 6:30 p.m. practice slot that evening. He noted other teams, such as Notre Dame, had media obligations in the morning and later practice times.[1]

Auriemma also blamed new rims and basketballs for affecting play quality, saying teams were dribbling the ball off their feet and missing layups.[1] "I just don't understand some of the decisions that are made about our game when we're trying to grow the god---- game," he said.

"Does anybody who makes these decisions ever ask the coaches and the players, 'Hey, does this work? Do you guys do this during the regular season? Is this normal?'" Auriemma added.[1]

NCAA Vice President for Women's Basketball Lynn Holzman told ESPN the current format has produced the highest attendance in tournament history, with positives outweighing the negatives.[1]

UConn, the top seed in the Portland Regional, advanced to face third-seeded Duke in the Elite Eight on March 31 at 7 p.m. ET at the same venue.[2][4]