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Reaction to Geno Auriemma & Dawn Staley exchanging words | ESPN College Basketball



Reaction to Geno Auriemma & Dawn Staley exchanging words | ESPN College Basketball

Christine Williamson, Andraya Carter and Chiney Ogwumike react to South Carolina beating the defending champions, UConn, 62-48 in the NCAA Women’s Final Four.

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24 Comments

  1. Gino, we’ve seen this narrative from you over the years when it comes to women’s basketball coaches you seem to view as beneath you. What happened here was clear bad sportsmanship—especially in a moment that should have belonged to the South Carolina women, who had just beaten your team decisively.
    Dawn Staley showed respect from the very beginning—she greeted you before the game, and it’s all on video. In fact, all week long she praised you and your program as the gold standard. That’s high praise.
    But what coach feels entitled enough to ignore the opposing staff after a loss? That’s not leadership—that’s ego.
    Geno Auriemma, this wasn’t just disappointing—it was beneath the standard you’re supposed to represent.
    And let’s be clear: when South Carolina has lost in the past—even in tough or controversial games—Coach Staley has consistently shown class and composure. She’s never made the moment about herself.
    That’s the difference. One leads with respect. The other lets pride get in the way.

  2. Dawn admitted she shook all his assistants hands before the game, but not Geno's hand. He felt disrespected. Fine, move on. Let it go, don't bring it up after you lose. That is bush league.

  3. And let’s not forget—this isn’t new.

    The late, great Pat Summitt of the University of Tennessee made it clear over the years that this kind of behavior had no place in the game. She stood for discipline, respect, and accountability—values that built champions on and off the court. 

    You weren’t just competing against teams—you were often clashing with a standard set by legends like her, and by many other prominent coaches who have openly called out the arrogance that continues to follow you.

    Geno Auriemma, greatness isn’t just measured in wins and banners—it’s measured in how you carry yourself when you lose. And moments like this continue to raise the same question: has that lesson ever truly been learned?

  4. I'm not even going to watch this video I'm going to make a comment because it's these EPN sisters and of course it's going to be all about race

  5. Gino flat out got beat AND HE LIED! Dawn DID shake his hand at the beginning. AND she was going to do it again before he forgot who he was talking to! You lost Gino….thank you ladies for calling out that lie. Connecticut needs a new coach! This guy is finished!

  6. Geno Aureimma was frustrated because his team UConn did not match the defense and intensity that Dawn SC team was dishing out !!🏀🏀🏀 South Carolina Gamecocks out played UConn !!

  7. Looks like they got their orders not to bad mouth Geno. Cussing on tv, bad mouthing another coach and being a sore loser at the end of the game will be interpreted as passion because he is white. Had Dawn Staley acted like this she would’ve be demonized

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