Geno Auriemma is not happy about some of the changes happening in the women’s NCAA Tournament.
During a press conference Friday, the legendary UConn women’s coach eviscerated the double-regional format for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, which was changed from a four-site format to a two-site format in 2023.
Despite the change for the women, the men’s tournament still has the traditional four-site format.
Additionally, Auriemma sounded off on the new basketballs and rims that the NCAA brings in for the tournament matches.
“You ever notice when you come to the regionals, they use brand-new baskets?” Auriemma told reporters following UConn’s 63-42 Sweet 16 win over North Carolina. “These rims have never touched the basketball until now.”
While speaking with the media Saturday morning, Auriemma argued that there is a correlation between the unused equipment and low shooting percentages, rattling off team 3-point field goal percentages from Friday’s games.
“I’m going to read you some numbers, OK? Write ’em down,” Auriemma said on Saturday. “Four-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 gonna sell out with that bulls–t?
“Now, maybe it was just a bad day shooting by everybody. These are all teams that average probably 30 [percent], over 30 for the season.”
Auriemma then explained the inconvenience for the players and coaches of having eight teams at one site, particularly for shootarounds, media time and practices.
The 12-time national champion also pointed to attendance numbers, arguing that the NCAA could bring in more fans with the four-site setup.
“Total attendance yesterday at both places, 18,000,” Auriemma said. “If we had four regions, and you got a minimum 5,000 people… I think that comes out to 20,000. So, what are we doing here?”
“But I just don’t understand some of the decisions that are made about our game, when we’re trying to grow the goddamn game,” he added. “And I’m thrilled to be playing Notre Dame, because they’re damn good right now. So, there you have it.”
To conclude his lengthy rant, Auriemma circled back to the new rims and basketballs, saying that there is “no concept” of how the game is played.
“Well, you want to know the reason for these shooting percentages? I think,” he said. “They bring in new baskets, new basketballs right out of the box,” he said. “You 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. Not that I have any of the answers; believe me. I just have questions.”
The Huskies are set to take on Notre Dame for their Elite Eight matchup on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
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