UConn women's basketball's 85-41 victory over FDU on Wednesday night was not just another win. Sure, UConn improved to 4-0 on the season as they continue to emerge as a serious contender. However, history was made as head coach Geno Auriemma became the winningest coach in NCAA basketball history with his 1,217th career victory.
It was a special moment for Auriemma and UConn. UConn women's basketball legends such as Diana Taurasi were in attendance for the game. Paige Bueckers' hilarious comments before the game went viral following Auriemma's historic moment, however.
Bueckers joked that Auriemma would be "lost" without assistant coach Chris Dailey, via ESPNW.
"I feel like every man needs a woman to be around and keep him in check," Bueckers said with a smile on her face. "They're really a great duo because they both bring different things to the table and they both help each other be better."
Chris Dailey's immense impact on UConn women's basketball, Geno Auriemma's success
Auriemma wanted Dailey as an assistant coach with UConn before he took the job. He clearly felt that Dailey could help on the coaching staff. She ultimately joined the UConn women's basketball coaching staff as an assistant in 1985. Together, Auriemma and Dailey helped to turn the UConn women's basketball program into a juggernaut. They have won 11 championships, building a dynasty along the way.
Dailey may have received the head coaching position had Auriemma not accepted the offer. In the end, though, they worked together to lead the program. Bueckers' comments are telling of their impact on UConn, as she said they "bring different things to the table" and they "help each other be better."
In all reality, Dailey probably could have landed a head coaching job elsewhere. She is respected around the college basketball world and one has to imagine that many programs would have loved for Dailey to have accepted a role as their head coach. However, she has remained loyal to UConn, and Auriemma would not be where he is without her.
UConn women's basketball has an opportunity for a truly special season in what may be Paige Bueckers' final college basketball campaign. She has a year of eligibility remaining, but Bueckers will likely enter the WNBA Draft as she is expected to be selected first overall.
Winning a championship would be a tremendous way to end Bueckers' college basketball career. It would also be another impressive feat for Auriemma and Dailey.