For anyone who knows Geno Auriemma, they’re privy to the Philadelphia edge he gives off during his practices and games. They’re also aware of the analogies he provides, utilizing his favorite Philadelphia sports teams as the primary example.
Yesterday, when Auriemma spoke to the media, he provided an analogy of his outlook on how his squad concluded their 2025-26 season. He used his favorite MLB team, the Philadelphia Phillies.
Auriemma said that a Phillies player could be getting paid $30 million to throw a strike to the Atlanta Braves hitter, but in retrospect, that Braves player could also be getting paid $30 million to hit a three-run homer off the pitcher.
Auriemma emphasized that no one is entitled to anything, especially his roster who have cemented themselves as one of the winningest programs in college basketball.
“The expectation is we should win every time we’re there, and unfortunately, you get to realize as you get older, no, you shouldn’t.” Auriemma said. “And then when you do, it’s amazing.”
According to Auriemma, he says it’s all about the perspective, and that’s the mindset he’s looking to bring into this new season.
As the sun starts to rise on the UConn women’s basketball 2026-27 campaign, they’ll look to their first opponent, the Syracuse Orange, for an exhibition matchup Monday evening.
Fans will get to see new Huskies like Olivia Vukosa and Jovana Popovic in action for their first season at Connecticut, as well as senior Ashlynn Shade.
When Vukosa came to UConn, she was the No. 3 overall recruit in the Class of 2026. With her size, she was a tall task for anyone to compete with in high school. Now, Auriemma says she’s giving her the “Philadelphia shove” as she works through transitioning from high school girls basketball to the collegiate level.
“As far as playing, I’ve always said that for big kids, it’s a little bit longer learning curve.” Auriemma said. “Right now, we’re trying to get [Liv] to understand how to use all the talent that she has, because she’s really talented.”
There’s a lot that Vukosa can bring to the table; she can shoot, she can pass and Auriemma says that she just has to embrace the physicality aspect of the game.
For Jovana Popovic, her comfort and confidence on the court are palpable. Popovic came to UConn after playing for ZKK Art Basket in the First League of Serbia. Auriemma says the biggest transition for her is going to be adjusting to playing basketball the Americanized way.
“For she has seen things and had to experience things that most high school kids have not,” Auriemma said, “So, coming in here, she brings a different level of what she sees and how she reacts to what she sees because it’s not the first time that she’s seen it.”
With the quickness Popovic brings to the table, she will be a tall task to go up against any opponent, and Auriemma has been impressed with the way she’s been competing in practice.
As for the upperclassmen, Ashlynn Shade is beginning her last season as a Husky. However, instead of putting off her lasts, she’s looking to embrace.
“I mean it is our last year and so just being present, being there for my teammates, spending as much time with them as I can,” Shade said, “I think that’s just what I’ve learned has made it more enjoyable.”
Now, as Shade and her teammates look to their opponent in the Syracuse Orange on Monday, they’ll see a familiar team they faced early in March Madness this past year.
The Huskies took on the Orange in the Round of 32, in Storrs, defeating Syracuse 98-45, forcing the Orange to only rack up 12 points in the first half. Over the last 44 games they have played against one another, UConn has won 40 of them. Connecticut will look to play similarly in this exhibition matchup, while also ironing out any kinks at the start of the season.
In terms of injuries, Morgan Cheli (ankle) was a full participant in practice on Saturday afternoon. However, Marine Dursus (foot), Allie Ziebell (ankle) and Blanca Quiñonez (shoulder) weren’t.
Auriemma says that he hopes Ziebell will be at full-go by Tuesday but didn’t say what that meant regarding her status for Monday’s game. As for Dursus and Quiñonez, Auriemma is still unsure of their timetable, since they’re more behind in the recovery process than Ziebell.
To see the 2026-27 Huskies in action, tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Husky fans can tune in to the matchup via NBC Sports Boston or UConn+.