We're back

Happy Friday! 

Yes, I took a little break.

But we are back!

Took a little time for some R&R (that means rest and relaxation for all of my terminology-challenged friends out there) and I’m ready to get back to our weekly chats like the good ol days.

What better way to kick things off than with a reminder of the greatest person in women’s college basketball.

No, not Caitlin Clark.

We don’t discuss the pros here.

Geno Auriemma.

He just inked his name on an important piece of paper, so let’s talk about it. 👇️ 

TODAY’S STORY
💥COACHING UPDATES

GENO AURIEMMA

Geno Auriemma, a legendary figure in college basketball, recently secured a five-year contract extension with UConn, valued at $18.7 million.

That’s one way to put the old-head rumors to bed about a potential retirement.

But that also goes to show just how much he’s invested into his current players, their potential, and what he thinks they can achieve.

You don’t see that often with coaches today.

Among the “late greats” like John Wooden and Pat Summit, he’s one of the last to stick around with the school that he’s completely transformed.

When you look at the origin stories of Wooden, Summit, and Auriemma, they all share one thing in common: they each overtook historically terrible programs with next to no funding and turned them into a household name that today’s coaches strive to replicate.

(and people like me try to learn from with their lessons off the court)

Wooden taught us the Pyramid of Success: a path to becoming a better person, bringing peace of mind, becoming the best version of you.

Summitt taught us resilience in the face of adversity with her mantra, “Left foot, right foot, breathe, repeat.”

When I think about what Geno has taught the world, I’m sorta perplexed.

Since 1985, he’s been a massive figure in women’s college basketball since 1985, known for coaching and developing the best. But what’s the one thing we’ll remember him for?

His relationship with his players stands out the most to me.

He’s not a social media guy, so you’re not going to hear from him too often which has limited the number of headlines you see about him compared to coaches today like Kim Mulkey and Dawn Staley, who have hot mouths.

Geno, well, he doesn’t act coy on camera. But when former players speak about him, it's always with the highest praise for what he did for them during college and as adults, whether they're playing professionally or not.

You ever heard someone say you can’t hide money?

That’s Geno.

Two of his former players, Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier just announced a new 3-on-3 league that will kickoff in January, and among the small group of investors, Coach Auriemma is in the mix.

He hasn’t spoken about it, he’s not tweeting about it, he just did it.

You won’t see him photographed at all of these events or speaking to journalists, but when it comes to supporting his players and the growth of women’s basketball, he’s made a bigger impact than most would think.

Heck, he even uses his country club membership to host UConn women’s basketball supporters!

FINAL THOUGHTS

I’m looking forward to getting to listen to more commentary from Geno over the next 5 years.

Over the last 3 years he’s been more unfiltered than ever before since his career started in 1985, so I can’t imagine what’s about to come next.

Anyways.

It’s good to be back!

So much has happened this off season between coaching changes, the transfer portal, and NIL, and we’re excited to get back into the thick of it.

Don’t be stingy, share Between Courts with a friend!

If you’re feeling frisky, help us spread the word about Between Courts and share this with your crush ;)

We’ll see you next week 👋