In a 2015 press conference, UConn Huskies coach Geno Auriemma made a pointed remark about Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson, creating lasting attention around the exchange. The event took place ahead of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, during a panel where Wilson, then a rising basketball player, asked coaches about the qualities they valued in athletes. Auriemma’s sharp response highlighted his view on player personalities and their path to the national team.
When Wilson inquired about what traits coaches sought, Auriemma replied,
“My particular favorite is smart a**es that grab the microphone and ask questions when they’re not supposed to. I think that’s a quality that I look for in players. I think that says a lot about them.”
He emphasized that talent alone isn’t enough to secure a spot on Team USA, saying,
“I don’t know how the other coaches, but I try to tell players this all the time. It doesn’t, I mean, obviously it matters how good you are just being a really good basketball player doesn’t get you on the US national team.”
He further explained the demanding criteria for representing the country, stating,
“There’s a lot of good players out there that aren’t on the team, there’s a lot of good players playing that’ll never be on that team. Just being a good player doesn’t get you on the team. You’ve got to have a lot going for you. You’ve got to care more about your teammates than you do about yourself. You’ve got to be more concerned about making your teammate better players than about how many.”
Notably, Wilson had the option to join the Huskies but opted to sign with the South Carolina Gamecocks. Over four seasons under head coach Dawn Staley, she led the team to an NCAA Championship in 2017, solidifying her legacy.
Dawn Staley Responds to Geno Auriemma’s Comments About Wilson’s Statue
Years later, following UConn’s victory over South Carolina in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Geno Auriemma appeared to make a subtle jab at Wilson’s statue outside Colonial Life Arena. Wilson’s statue was unveiled in 2021, honoring her contributions to the program and her leadership during the 2017 title run.
Auriemma remarked,
“Most other places, if you win a national championship, they build a statue to you outside the building. Here, they won’t even let you get to the front of the bus.”
In response, Dawn Staley spoke during the unveiling of her own 14-foot statue, offering a broader perspective on Wilson’s honor. She emphasized that Wilson’s statue transcended a simple championship celebration and symbolized her impact on and off the court. Staley stated,
“I’ll admit I wanted hers to be the only one ever. Contrary to the belief of one of my coaching colleagues, her statue wasn’t in response to winning a national championship. It was in response to being a winner at life. It’s a tribute to a hometown hero, a symbol of what’s possible for the youth of Columbia when passion meets preparedness.”
Looking Ahead: Dawn Staley’s Ongoing Impact and New Recruits
Dawn Staley continues to build on her remarkable coaching career, recently signing promising players Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell from the Class of 2025. With these additions, she aims to maintain South Carolina’s status as a premier college basketball program, inspiring a new generation of athletes.
The dynamic between Staley and Auriemma, alongside the legacy of players like A’ja Wilson, highlights the intense competitive spirit and rich history embedded in women’s college basketball. Wilson’s experience—from being roasted by a Hall of Fame coach to becoming a celebrated figure with her own statue—underscores the challenges and triumphs that shape elite athletes and their programs.