“I’m in favor of them getting paid, I hate the transfer portal”: When Geno Auriemma made his feelings clear about NCAA new rules

Geno Auriemma has understood the importance of the ever-evolving topic of players profiting from their name, image, and likeness. The UConn coach and the LSU Tigers' Kim Mulkey were interviewed by MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle at the Aspen Ideas Festival in June 2024.

The panel discussed multiple topics and one of them was about the NIL and how it has become something that wasn't in the game plan at the time of its introduction. While Auriemma strongly supported the players getting paid, he didn't agree with its influencing many transfer portal decisions since its introduction in 2021.

"I'm in favor of them getting paid," Auriemma said (18:24). "I hate the transfer portal. I don't hate that they're getting paid. I hate that they can just get up and leave anytime they want."

"And then, you know what they say? 'Well, coaches can leave whenever they want, go coach in another school.' Really? I have a $5 million buyout. ... So I'm all in favor of them getting paid. I just hate the fact that there's no obligation."

Geno Auriemma shares his thoughts on star guard Paige Bueckers' playing style

Geno Auriemma has helped Paige Bueckers develop into one of the best players in women's basketball. As the star player for the Huskies, Bueckers has performed well by shooting the ball at an efficient rate while getting her teammates involved as much as possible.

However, Auriemma wants to see an improvement in one area moving forward. In an interview with CT Insider polished on Friday, the coach said:

"I'd like to see her be a little more free and experiment a little more. She values this efficiency thing. I'd like to see her take more risks, but that's always the case with me and our best players. I don't want them to worry about being perfect."

Bueckers is averaging 20.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and two steals after 14 games. She is shooting 55.5% from the field so far, including 40.6% from beyond the arc. With this being her final season at UConn, the guard and Auriemma are hoping to wrap it up with a national championship win.

Geno Auriemma and the No. 7 Huskies will prepare for their next matchup against Villanova at the William B. Finneran Pavilion on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. ET