UConn Coach Criticizes NCAA Women’s Tournament Format
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — UConn’s head coach, Geno Auriemma, has openly criticized the double-regional format of the women’s NCAA Tournament. Auriemma argues that the current setup is not beneficial for the participating teams or for promoting the tournament.
The coach pointed out several issues with the format, including poor attendance, subpar shooting percentages, and inconvenient scheduling that forces teams to visit the arena at odd hours. This format, which has been in place for four years, is slated to continue for at least five more.
Auriemma questioned the rationale behind reducing the number of regional sites from four to two, stating, “If they can explain it legitimately and then prove that it works, then great. So what was the reason?”
According to the NCAA, attendance and ticket sales have improved since the switch to two regional sites. An analysis by the women’s basketball committee indicated that reverting to four sites might result in fewer bids and smaller market sizes.
“The women’s basketball committee will continue to work with student-athletes, coaches, athletic directors, and other college sports leaders in doing what’s best to grow the game,” the NCAA stated.
As the defending national champions, the UConn Huskies (37-0) are set to face Notre Dame (25-10) in the Fort Worth Regional 1 final on Sunday. The Huskies participated in their mandatory media session on Saturday, which occurred after Notre Dame’s session and prior to two Sweet 16 games at Dickies Arena. Both teams were scheduled to practice at the venue later that evening.
“So we had to get our kids up, come over here. You already knew who we were playing last night, but we can’t get on the court, and neither can the other teams,” Auriemma noted. “Does anybody who makes these decisions ever ask the coaches and the players, hey, does this work?”
UConn players Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong shared their coach’s concerns. Fudd remarked, “Everyone’s trying to figure that out right now. Every team is going through that. There’s no excuse in that. So we’ll figure it out. We’re making it work, but it definitely isn’t the most ideal setup.”
Auriemma, the most successful coach in NCAA basketball history with 1,287 wins, initiated the discussion by listing several teams’ poor shooting stats from the previous day: 4 for 20, 4 for 22, 1 for 17, 5 for 17, 4 for 16, 7 for 26.
“That’s the 3-point shooting (Friday) across the country. How many arenas are we going to sell out with that (expletive)?” he questioned, highlighting early morning practice times as a contributing factor.
UCLA’s coach, Cori Close, who supports the two-regional format, emphasized the need for high exposure and coverage while ensuring optimal conditions for the athletes. “I think every year we should look and go, where are we in our game, how did this play out efficiency-wise, from a student-athlete well-being side,” she said.
Auriemma also expressed frustration over the lack of coach input in NCAA decisions, noting that despite annual reviews post-tournament, significant changes aren’t implemented.
“Hopefully I’m speaking for the other coaches. Some coaches might think I’m full of it. And this is not about UConn. I hope everybody understands that,” he stated. “This is not about us, because you know, we’ve managed to go to the Final Four and win national championships no matter where they’re played.”
Duke coach Kara Lawson echoed the need for more practice time on the game court, saying, “That would be the only thing I’d change. I mean two regionals, I think the arena thing is the thing that’s hard.”
Auriemma also raised concerns about the use of new basketballs and rims during tournament games, which he believes affects shooting performance. “It’s hard to make shots in the postseason. They just break out these new baskets, new rims, and then it gets in the kids’ heads,” he said.
For more information on the NCAA Women’s Bracket, visit the AP March Madness bracket or follow AP March Madness coverage.
