Geno Auriemma definitely knows all about coaching great athletes.
While speaking to reporters at Tampa's Amalie Arena ahead of UConn's game against UCLA Friday night, Auriemma was asked what those of those players — Diana Taurasi and Paige Bueckers — have in common. The short answer is a lot, but the long answer is worth your time.
Geno Auriemma says Diana Taurasi and Paige Bueckers are "con artists"
"In the best sense of the word, they're both exceptional con artists," he explained. The duo have a knack for getting their way and never like to hear that they wrong, he added — two traits that Auriemma said are necessary for winners.
"They can spin things so that it goes their way about 99.9% of the team," he continued. "So they live in that world, which, I admire that, because winners do that. They have to be right, they have to be unchallenged. So they've got that going for them."
The pair also have other things in common, he added. They both love speaking to people and are "extremely outgoing" and they both have no problem accommodating others. That might come as a surprise for those who expect extremely talented athletes to be unconcerned with those around them.
Taurasi was a legendary force for the Huskies during her time in Storrs. She was the first two-time National Player of the Year, helped lead the team to three NCAA championships, and was the first player in program history to net 2,000 points, 600 assists, and 600 rebounds in her career. To no one's surprise, Taurasi was the No. 1 overall WNBA Draft pick in 2004.
Like Taurasi, Bueckers is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in this year's WNBA Draft. She's currently no. 4 on the school's all-time scoring list with 2,375 career points (and counting).
Paige Bueckers is focused on what's next for UConn
Bueckers also spoke to reporters Thursday and shared what she's most focused on ahead of the Huskies' game against UCLA.
"Obviously Lauren Betts," she began, "What she does offensively, defensively, in the paint, being a force on offense, really carving out space for herself... also what she does to get her teammates open looks, with all the attention that she draws."
Bueckers also noted that Betts isn't the only threat for the Bruins. There are shooters on the perimeter to keep an eye on, which means it's important for Bueckers and her teammates to make sure they aren't "focused too much on one thing."