UConn Huskies legend Geno Auriemma doesn’t think highly of the WNBA’s quality right now.
UConn’s legendary head coach Geno Auriemma has seen more than his fair share of basketball over the years—especially women’s basketball. He’s led the Huskies’ women’s program for 40 years, all while spending countless hours scouting high school talent and keeping up with the professional careers of his former players after their time at UConn.
Because of Auriemma’s stature in the game, his opinions carry significant weight. That’s why it was so interesting to hear his thoughts on the ongoing debate about WNBA physicality and whether he worries that style might influence the college level, during his media session on September 29.
UConn’s Geno Auriemma Addresses WNBA Physicality Discourse
Auriemma said he’s often heard from NBA figures and former WNBA players that the women’s pro league is actually more physical than the NBA.
He argued that this level of play doesn’t always make for good basketball, no matter how people try to frame it. While the WNBA has gained more viewers, he said that doesn’t automatically mean the quality of the game is better.
Pointing to last year’s Finals between the Liberty and Lynx, Auriemma called the play “horrendous,” noting that the score was unusually low at halftime. (For reference, the actual halftime score of Game 5 was 34–27 in favor of the Lynx.)
Auriemma criticized the WNBA’s style of play, saying players struggle to get open or cut to the basket, and ball handlers are constantly getting hit. He noted that star players will always face tough defense—something he’s experienced and complained about himself—but he doesn’t fault the referees. Instead, he believes the issue lies in the rules or in what the league chooses to allow as its accepted style of play.
His comments, especially about the quality of the on-court product, are striking and could spark some reaction moving forward.
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