Coach Geno Auriemma, for the UConn Women’s Basketball team, spoke at a press conference during the 2016 Final Four about the importance of values on the court.
Auriemma’s philosophy has been receiving attention on the internet even a year later, according to the NCAA.
Having won 109 games in a row, Auriemma has much to be proud about. Yet, his words of wisdom from this 2016 conference highlight that he still cares about how his players behave.
"We put a huge premium on body language," Auriemma said. "And if your body language is bad, you will never get in the game. Ever. I don't care how good you are."
Auriemma looked back on a game where he benched Seattle Storm and All-American Breanna Stewart.
"It was because she was acting like a 12-year-old," the coach said."I would rather lose than watch the way some kids play."
He said he doesn't want his players to only think about themselves when they're in the game.
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"'Me, me, me. I didn't score, so why should I be happy?'" Auriemma said. "That's the world that we live in today, unfortunately."
Auriemma and the Huskies are currently in the third round of the NCAA tournament and are seeking a fifth straight national title, the NCAA said. His way of coaching emphasizes good sportsmanship from his players. “I’d rather lose than watch some kids play the way they play.”
