"Even if she was in Brooklyn, she’s not treating me": Geno Auriemma teases WNBA star Breanna Stewart ahead of major UConn clash

Geno Auriemma isn't expecting to get a free meal from Breanna Stewart once the No. 2 UConn Huskies land in Brooklyn for their weekend showdown with the No. 22 Louisville Cardinals.

Connecticut Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma holds an award before their game against the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Photo: Imagn

Auriemma drew some laughs from reporters on Monday when he explained why there wouldn't be a dinner date with his former star player.

“No. I think she’s still in Spain with her family, so she has an excuse. Because even if she was in Brooklyn, she’s not [treating me]. You have to understand something about my players. They are not paying for anything,” Auriemma said.

Stewart is coming off a successful campaign in the pro ranks. She led the New York Liberty to their first-ever WNBA title, beating the Minnesota Lynx in an epic five-game series. Stewart is one of the league's top earners, signing a one-year, $208,219 contract with the Liberty before the start of the 2024 season.

Geno Auriemma celebrates with former UConn players after historic achievement

Auriemma entered the record books on Nov. 20 when he became the winningest coach in college basketball history. He accomplished the feat after the Huskies secured an 85-41 win over the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights.

Some of Auriemma's former players watched the game to celebrate his 1,217th victory in the NCAA. Among the women's basketball legends in attendance were Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi and Maya Moore.

Sue Bird speaks with UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma during an event celebrating his all-time NCAA basketball wins record at the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut. Photo: Getty

He expressed surprise that they made the trip to Connecticut for the celebration.

“That’s why the biggest shocker of last week was that they all paid to come here. I think we did that on purpose. Let’s see who really wants to be here as opposed to somebody getting a free trip to Storrs,” Auriemma said.

Auriemma's bid to win his record-extending 12th NCAA title remains right on track, with UConn starting the season 6-0. They defeated Boston University, South Florida, No. 14 North Carolina, Fairleigh Dickinson, Oregon State and No. 18 Ole Miss by an average of 29.7 points.

The Huskies will look to keep their unbeaten record intact when they host the Holy Cross Crusaders on Tuesday night. UConn has yet to lose at home this season, winning all three of its games in Storrs.