"Can't discredit greatness" - Breanna Stewart issues stern response to Geno Auriemma's detractors

Breanna Stewart lavished praise on her former coach, Geno Auriemma, who made history in November by becoming the all-time winningest coach in college basketball. Despite his remarkable achievements, Stewart, the New York Liberty star, believes that Auriemma is still underappreciated by many.

In an interview with Hannah Storm released on Saturday, Stewart reflected on her WNBA career and her time at UConn under Auriemma's guidance.

The two-time WNBA MVP described Auriemma, an 11-time champion coach, as “the greatest.”

“Coach Auriemma’s the greatest, and, you know, I've known it, but now he’s the all-time winningest coach in collegiate history — it’s something that's actually insane,” Stewart said (19:14 mark).

“And I'm really happy for him because, you know, sometimes he gets discredited or, you know, a lot of opinions here and there, but you can't discredit greatness. And that's really it. Like all the national championships, all the players that have gone through that program, we wouldn't be where we are without him.”

The UConn women’s basketball program has produced legends like Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Tina Charles, Sue Bird, Rebecca Lobo, Swin Cash, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier and rising star Paige Bueckers.

After her time at UConn, Stewart was selected first overall in the 2016 WNBA draft by the Seattle Storm, where she went on to win two championships.

Breanna Stewart offers advice to current UConn players

Breanna Stewart won four NCAA championships in as many years with the UConn Huskies from 2013 to 2016, losing just five games throughout her career. She was named Most Outstanding Player in all four of those championship runs.

In November, she urged current UConn players to cherish the experience of being coached by one of the greatest.

"I am not surprised that coach Auriemma is still gonna be continuing to do his thing at UConn," Stewart said. "It was one of the best experiences of my life and being able to play for him, something that I definitely miss."

“For these young kids, these players that are there now, I really hope they just appreciate and enjoy this moment because he is one of one."

READ: “One of the best experiences of my life”: Breanna Stewart reflects on UConn coach Geno Auriemma’s unique legacy

UConn is off to a strong 7-0 start this season, led by Paige Bueckers, who’s averaging 20.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists. Bueckers is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft.