Geno Auriemma Criticizes NCAA Tournament Schedule, Basketballs

UConn women's basketball coach voices frustration over tournament logistics and equipment issues

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:08pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a women's basketball game, with the court and players broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors, conveying the chaotic and disjointed nature of the tournament issues described.Auriemma's critique of the NCAA tournament's logistical challenges and equipment issues reflects the sport's ongoing fight for equitable treatment.Notre Dame Today

UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma blasted the NCAA for its tournament scheduling and the quality of the basketballs used, citing poor shooting performances across the tournament and logistical challenges for teams. Auriemma criticized the two-regional format for the women's tournament, saying it creates scheduling headaches, and expressed frustration that the NCAA does not seem to listen to coaches' feedback on improving the event.

Why it matters

Auriemma's comments highlight ongoing issues with the organization and execution of the NCAA women's basketball tournament, which has faced criticism in recent years over inequities compared to the men's tournament. As the women's game continues to grow in popularity, the NCAA is under pressure to provide a high-quality experience for players, coaches, and fans.

The details

Auriemma criticized the NCAA for the tournament schedule, noting that UConn and Notre Dame had media obligations and limited practice time on the day before their Elite Eight matchup. He also pointed to poor shooting performances across the tournament, suggesting the NCAA is using new, overinflated basketballs that are disrupting players' normal routines. Auriemma believes the NCAA is not listening to coaches' feedback on improving the tournament format and experience.

  • On March 27, 2026, UConn defeated North Carolina in the Sweet 16.
  • On March 28, 2026, Auriemma spoke at a press conference ahead of UConn's Elite Eight matchup with Notre Dame.

The players

Geno Auriemma

The longtime head coach of the UConn women's basketball team, who has led the Huskies to 11 national championships.

Notre Dame

UConn's opponent in the 2026 NCAA women's basketball tournament Elite Eight.

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What they’re saying

“'I'm going to 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 bull----? Now, maybe it was just a bad day shooting by everybody. These are all teams that average probably 30, over 30, for the season.'”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn Women's Basketball

“'Do you want to know the reason for these shooting percentages? I think they bring in new baskets, new basketballs right out of the box. Got people dribbling the ball off their feet. You got people missing layups all over the place. You bounce the ball, and it goes up to the ceiling. There's just no concept of how basketball is played.'”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn Women's Basketball

“'This morning I just saw Notre Dame leaving, so they had media this morning. Their practice time is tonight at 5:30. What did you have to ask them this morning that you didn't ask them last night? Or us? You know what time our practice time is? 6:30 tonight. 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. Walz had media at 7:30, I think. Does anybody who makes these decisions ever ask the coaches and the players, hey, does this work?'”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn Women's Basketball

What’s next

The NCAA will likely face continued scrutiny and pressure to improve the women's basketball tournament experience based on Auriemma's comments and other feedback from coaches and players.

The takeaway

Geno Auriemma's criticisms of the NCAA tournament schedule, basketballs, and overall organization highlight the ongoing challenges the women's game faces in gaining equal treatment and resources compared to the men's tournament. As the women's game continues to grow in popularity, the NCAA must listen to coaches and players to provide a high-quality tournament experience.