Geno Auriemma went on a brilliant, expletive-laden rant against calling UConn a ‘redeem team’

Few people in Women’s college basketball understand the basic concept of winning more than Geno Auriemma. The legendary UConn coach is third all-time in wins (1,093) and can potentially surpass the two people ahead of him — Pat Summit and Tara VanDerveer — by the end of next season.

And with an injured UConn trying to improve upon a disappointing Sweet 16 finish last season, it’s understandable if Auriemma has his eyes on two prizes — a 12th National Championship and sole possession of the all-time wins record.

That’s not why he’s seemingly not buying into any narratives that detract from basic basketball success. Not even the idea of a “redeem team” for a UConn squad that may have fallen short primarily due to its health issues.  For Auriemma: Enough talk, just win games.

(Warning: NSFW language in the video below.)

Phew. That is a coach clearly really UNHAPPY with how his team’s being talked about. Historically, UConn might be a preeminent blue blood. But great blue bloods — ones who win championships, anyway — don’t necessarily carry themselves as if that label means anything. Or as if looking into the past has any bearing on the future. (It almost never does.)

They’re just talented and play hard and together and scrap and claw for every win. For a team entering the 2023-2024 season as one of the title favorites, Auriemma knows that fact better than anyone. That makes this classic rant a vintage coach rant from someone who wants their team purely focused on the road ahead.

(Warning: NSFW language in some tweets below.)