“She’s having a breakdown carrying you guys”: When Geno Auriemma shared how he unloaded on UConn team because of Diana Taurasi

In his 40-year tenure as the UConn Huskies head coach, Geno Auriemma has carved out a well-respected college coaching career. Through his expertise in guiding some of women's basketball's best prospects, the now 70-year-old has had a long list of alumnae who have gone on to become greats in their own right.

Such is the case with Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi, who is considered by many to be one of the legends of the women's game. The 6-foot superstar has won three WNBA championships in her career, two of which she was named as Finals MVP, a regular season MVP and an illustrious NCAA national championship three-peat with Auriemma from 2002-2004.

In an interview seven years ago (Nov. 2017) on an episode of "In Depth with Graham Bensinger," Auriemma shared how there was one instance he remembers when he poured his frustrations towards his then UConn Huskies as they couldn't match up to the kind of effort Taurasi was giving at that time to win ball games.

"She had to be the best point guard, best shooting guard, best shooter, best rebounder, best passer, and had to guard the other team's best player every night. It just overwhelmed her after a certain point because we lost and there was nothing she can do about it," he said (Timestamp: 5:00)

Auriemma revealed what he said to his squad during a team meeting.

"I just want you to know, she's having a breakdown carrying you guys. So, either you can make her load a little bit lighter, or you say, 'I don't care. We're gonna let you kill yourself,'" he added. (5:30)

Auriemma is looking to add to his storied UConn Huskies program by hopefully winning a national championship once again in the 2024-2025 season. He and his current crop of players will face the Georgetown Hoyas on Saturday.

Geno Auriemma says players will always listen to their coaches when challenged

As Geno Auriemma went on to detail how exactly he gave a wake-up call to his team when they were underperforming, the 11-time national champion coach then asserted that they'll always listen as long as they are challenged.

"Naturally, when you challenge players you know what they do, they either prove you right and go, 'You're right coach. We suck,' or, they step up and go, 'Oh no way, man. I'm better than that. Let's go.' And then, they do," he said. (6:00)

Should Auriemma and the UConn Huskies bring back championship glory to the program after an eight-year drought, the coach may go the route and challenge his players further.