UConn’s Geno Auriemma Sparks Debate Over NCAA Tournament Format
Geno Auriemma’s criticism of the NCAA Tournament format is going viral, as the UConn coach sparks debate with his latest comments during March Madness.
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MARCH 27: head coach Geno Auriemma of the Connecticut Huskies looks on from the bench against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the fourth quarter of a Sweet Sixteen round game of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament held at Dickies Arena on March 27, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Andy Hancock/NCAA Photos/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) NCAA Photos via Getty Images 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. 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?