"If your body language is bad, you'll never get in the game" — Geno Auriemma once explained the importance of being "engaged" in a game

Geno Auriemma, the legendary head coach of the UConn women's basketball team, is widely recognized for his forthright approach to coaching. He has led the Huskies to 11 national championship titles, six of which were undefeated seasons.

During a press conference in 2016, Auriemma was asked how every player on his team was always enthusiastic. He said it starts with recruiting players who have an innate passion for the game:

"Recruiting enthusiastic kids is harder than it's ever been ... So recruiting kids that are really upbeat and loving life and love the game, have this tremendous appreciation for when their teammates do something well, that's hard, that's hard, it's really hard.

"So on our team. We, me, my coaching staff. We put a huge premium on body language. And if your body language is bad, you will never get in the game. Ever. I don't care how good you are."

Auriemma also spilled the reality of today's generation of players and how they lack the mentality or focus or the mindset.

"When I look at my team, when I watch game film, I'm checking what's going on the bench. And if somebody's sleep over there, somebody doesn't care, somebody's not engaged in the game, they'll never get in the game. Ever! They know that. They know I'm not kidding."

University of Connecticut to honor Geno Auriemma for his 40th season

UConn coach Geno Auriemma and associate head coach Chris Dailey will both mark their 40th season with the program this coming season.

On Wednesday, the university announced that they will celebrate Auriemma and Dailey during the 2024-25 season, their 40th year coaching in Storrs, honoring their legacies.

"Since arriving to the University of Connecticut in 1985, Geno Auriemma and Chris Dailey have redefined success and built an unmatched dynasty with the UConn women’s basketball program," UConn officials said.

The Huskies will have their major celebration in November during their matchup against Fairleigh Dickinson at Gampel Pavilion. All student-athletes who played for the coaches are invited to campus to participate in the memorable occasion.

Geno Auriemma's records and achievements at UConn

• Coaching record: 1,213-162 (.882)
• 11 NCAA national championships
• 23 Final Four appearances
• 27 Conference tournament titles
• 28 Conference regular-season titles
• 8 Naismith Coach of the Year
• Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

Besides, Auriemma is just four wins away from surpassing Tara VanDerveer for the most wins by a women's college basketball coach.