SAN ANTONIO — It’s safe to say that Geno Auriemma and Pat Summitt didn’t spend much time catching up in Texas.
Auriemma and Summitt were at the AT&T Center on Tuesday night for a doubleheader in San Antonio, where the Final Four will be held in the spring. Summitt’s sixth-ranked Tennessee Lady Vols beat Texas Tech in the first game before Auriemma’s top-ranked Huskies demolished No. 10 Texas.
The two Hall of Fame coaches had a falling out two years ago when their powerhouse programs canceled their regular-season series. Auriemma said in April 2008 that it was because Summitt accused UConn of cheating in recruiting.
Auriemma said he’ll say hello to Summitt like anyone else, but doesn’t see why anyone expects them to, say, go to dinner.
“Why? I don’t go out to dinner with these guys,” Auriemma said, sitting between two of his UConn players. “And I like them.”
All four teams in the San Antonio doubleheader actually did have a dinner together Monday night. Auriemma said that what people need to understand is that within Division I women’s basketball, people wanted to see games other than Connecticut playing Tennessee.
Between 1995 and 2007, the Huskies and Lady Vols played at least once a year.
“Everybody in the country has to understand that the only people who really wanted the whole Connecticut-Tennessee thing were people outside women’s basketball,” Auriemma said. “That was just for the outside fans.”
Auriemma made his comments after being asked about Summitt following the game. Summitt was not asked about Auriemma following Tennessee’s victory and made no comment on her own.
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Comments » 61
oldvolsfan writes:
Geno just needs to get over it
dwa7#337691 writes:
remember UCONN will probably run the table again this year.............They are loaded and are really good......dang it!
BigRMan writes:
Villanova won't have much of any say in the matter. I was encouraged by UT's efforts so far in both nationally telecast games vs. Baylor & Texas Tech. The Lady Raiders are a far cry from the teams of Erin Grant and Plennette Pierson, not to mention the '93 squad led by Swoopes. The LVS this season look like they have a much clearer understanding of what it takes to compete on the Division I level, and are focusing on the concepts about the game and x's & o's of execution on the court reflecting what Coach Summitt is trying to impart to them. Effort and intensity show a marked increase. VERY ENCOURAGING!
TommyJack writes:
Squeeze Geno's head and you could fuel 3 Hummers.
98reax writes:
WWD - Words of Witch Doctor! I agree.
VOLinMAHWAH writes:
Witch Doctor is a wise man!
rocky_topper writes:
geno is a classless a****** who can't get over the fact that Pat and the Lady Vol program doesn't pay him any attention. they are the ones who lost! i'm glad the series was discontinued. i personally hated even being around their fans for a game, not to mention having him on the sideline at TBA!
tennezz writes:
Who cares what {GENO THE HYENA} thinks!
tndrum#214683 writes:
I'm not one to buy into conspiracy theories, and I'm not suggesting anything like that here, but the choice of words in this AP report is at least interesting. Tennessee beat Tech by 38 and UCONN beat Texas by 25, but the wording is "Lady Vols BEAT Texas Tech", while the "Huskies DEMOLISHED #10 Texas". Interesting choice of verbs.
YankeeVol writes:
But then you'd have to touch his hair...eewww.
Major_Magilicutty writes:
F*ck off.
Clevername writes:
Does anyone know the reason Pat cancelled this series? I know Geno said that it was because Pat accused him of cheating in recruiting but does anyone have any specifics ... and yes, I Googled it before posting this but didn't find any details.
Go Vols !!!
VolsFanInNC writes:
Too much class and the fact that Geno's short hose would have too much pressure for Pat to compete with.
rocky_topper writes:
I can see why you would want to be on a Lady Vols site. Everytime I go to www.courant.com to see any lady husky news, there is like 1 comment or none per article. I am guessing those yankees don't have internet, know how to use the internet or something. The Courant is pretty damn boring. I don't blame you one damn bit for not staying on their site!
By the way, did you see where Delle Donne scored 50 points the other day?
Clevername writes:
Never mind ... found it!
littleorange writes:
Two great coaches......one with class.
rocky_topper writes:
No, that was not the reason. Remember that Pat canceled the series; not Geno! UCONN was beside themselves when the series was not renewed!
It is true however that Mia Moore's mother somehow bought a condo in Storres and was never able to purchase a home prior to the recruitment!
Fall_Creek_Vols writes:
OK, Geno got Maya Moore...ethically or not. We've gotten over it and have begun developing players who can not only compete, but exceed. See Shekina Strickland for starters.
Still, Maya would have looked better in orange. She'd probably have become a much better player, too since she'd have had a better coach.
Like the Witch Doctor sez...bones never lie.
By the way Mike...it's a valid question: does anyone in Connect-icut really give a rat's azz about the Lady Dogs...other than you?
abnermc writes:
Go back to UCONN ,home of the ugliest women players in the world. Start w/ Lobo. good player but ugly . Then go to Taurasi,good player but..got to be the ugliest woman drunk in the world! UGLYYYYYYYYYY
rocky_topper writes:
That wasn't kind at all. You should be ashamed! What did horseface Taurasi ever do to you?
gainesville_vol writes:
From watching the first two games, Stricklen has raised her game tremendously. Bjorkland is shooting much better. Those may be the only two players (with Cain?) that could play significant time for UConn this year, at least at this time of the season. Cain is playing better, but still needs to improve her inside game.
UConn is going to miss Montgomery, but they are still better than everyone else right now. Can we catch up by tournament time? That is the big concern for UT fans.
As far as validation, Geno is validated by the NC's that UConn has won. Yes, they still trail us, but I am not going to be surprised if they catch us in the next couple of years. He has made his name and built the UConn program the same way that Pat did for UT. Play anyone, recruit the best players (I will not comment on cheating, since I don't know. Has UConn been sanctioned by the NCAA?). You have to respect any coach that does that.
It would be great for women's basketball if UT and UConn made the final four every year. They are the big names. It would be just like the Yankees playing the Dodgers in the World Series, the Cowboys playing the Patriots in the Super Bowl, or Celtics/Lakers in the NBA finals. Those matchups bring the biggest crowds, the most TV viewers, and the most "anti" fans that don't like either team.
Go Lady Vols.
LdyVolFaninKS writes:
Blah, blah, blah. I fail to see the significance of the relationship that doesn't exist between Guido Aurienema and CPS. What's done is done, they don't play anymore in the regular season because Guido cheats...WHO REALLY CARES? This is not news, it's history.
OrangeCrush writes:
Geno is a legend in his own mind.
bill#1374014 writes:
Unfortunately, as long as Maya Moore is at UConn the Huskies will be national champs. She's the one player no one can guard.
utfan00 writes:
I think this article is rather disgusting. Pat and Geno are miles away from one another. Simply because these two people happen to be in the same building for one night and media is worrying if they are going to speak to each other. COME ON FOLKS this country is in a mess. We are living in our final days. Look at all the things happening right today. I think some people need to get on the knees and pray. ESPECIALLY CAROL LAWSON, PAM WARD, AND REBECCA LOBO. I watched the game last night and couldn't enjoy it because the concern of Pat and Geno. You would think there are more important issues
to be concerned about besides these two. At least they are not going to start another war.
Congratulations Lady Vols and Huskies.
Pudge writes:
Ummm, you people need to take your orange colored glasses off. The Lady Vols are clearly the program chasing UCONN right now. UCONN is the premier women's program in the country. And Geno is the top coach. Pat and UT USED to be the TOP program. Geno and his girls have run away with that title. It took the 3 Meeks to hold off Geno's crew for a couple of more years. But, UCONN is still coming. Tennessee has had major drop offs ever since. UCONN has been consistent. You can hate the coach all you want. But, you have to give the program it's just due.
98reax writes:
Why must we always take the bait? See, this is how Pat is so far and above, in self-respect and with respect for her program and the women's program, nationwide. She has the strength and wisdom to remove her program from the rancorous association that is Geno Auriema.
This issue is not unlike the poll that was running on Sports Animal this morning. Dave asks the callers "Would you rather have an 11-month arrest-free football program, or a winning season?"
How does this poll compare to the issue at hand? It would be a cowardly compromise for Pat to be pressured into continuing the rivalry just to appease the fans. Pat knows, and Pat does not need to satisfy our inquiring minds WHY she made this decision to "abstain from all appearance of evil." Obviously, (it is a GVX archived interview, if one cares to read it) Pat Summitt felt she would compromise the integrity of The Lady Vols Basketball Program by caving to the perseverate threats and hubris of a narcissistic sycophant. The choice is one I appreciate.
Frankly, I cannot stand the sight nor sound of the guy. If he were not the coach of the Huskies, I feel like we would welcome renewing the rivalry. For now, Pat's decision is an extremely courageous, totally unselfish abeyance.
We should ask ourself, "Would I have that kind of impervious fortitude?"
Big, HAIRY deal, if the Uconn program 'catches up' to Tennessee. They can thank the Lady Vols for making them better. They've been trying to 'catch up' for decades. It's good for the women's game. For all the above raasons, Pat Summitt is good for the women's game and no matter who 'catches up' they will never surpass the Lady Vol legacy.
reachkim00 writes:
Pat is over it. Everytime she is ever asked about it she simply says, with class, Geno knows why. Geno, however, travels with his soapbox to jump on every chance he gets to whine about anything to do with Tennessee. Hmmmm... now who is more peeved about not one not playing the other anymore?? I think it's pretty obvious. Coach Summitt has more class in her pinky that Geno has in his whole damn body. He knows why and can't do a damn thing about it and that just eats him up, and I LOVEEEE it!!!
Now, for the important stuff for the day... GREAT win ladies and keep up the good work. GO LADY VOLS!!!!!!!!
reachkim00 writes:
Damn right 98!
GO LADY VOLS!!!!!!!!!
stratocaster54 writes:
Without Pat Summit, Women's college BB would not be where it is today. W/o Geno Enema, only UConn would know the difference. Most everyone in WCBB respects Pat, only UConn and Geno likes Geno. Not only is Pat the greatest coach, but she is the games greatest advocate.
Healeystyle writes:
What exactly did Geno say here to get everyone so fired up? I mean he said he didn't eat dinner with his own players, nothing against Pat right there. He said that the UConn/UT rivalry was only for people on the outside of women's basketball. Very true, people who follow the sport don't care if that game isn't played every year. Why? Because we have to listen to this same lame nonsense about how they hate each other, and then all the half-hearted fans who think they know the sport comment about it. It's not Geno that needs to "get over it", whatever it is, but it's you clueless Vol fans who think the world revolves around UConn vs. UT. WE, and I say we because I am a season ticket holder, need to worry more about getting back to the Final Four, then maybe we can have our crack at Geno when it matters.
BigRMan writes:
I am a Tennessee fan over UCON any day. However you can't generalize about all UCON players. Sue Bird is cute, and Swin Cash could be on the model runway with Tyra Banks & Naomi Campbell any day! Let's not stereotype over looks. LVS have had stuning beauties also: Candace Parker, Chamique, Brittney Jackson, Ace Clement. Nothing more beautiful than a foxy lady no matter what the uniform
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
If you are talking about this year's Texas/UConn game, then Uconn only won by 25..i think it was..
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
If what I heard was true, then it would definitely give her reason enough to wanna shut down the series..AND what I heard has nothing to do with what Pat said about him(because I hadn't heard what she said about him)..I would rather not state that(what I heard) on here because I am not 100% sure..It's just what I heard..Understand??
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
I am pretty sure what you found out and what I heard are one in the same.
blewissmith writes:
I heard Deerstone say that Pat will consider playing UCONN after Moore leaves.
WLafIndianavol writes:
Mike the UConn Moron and Geno have one thing in common, they are both horse arses!
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
The important facts to me are this: Lady Vols have 8 National Championships and UConn has 6...Pat has won over 1,000 games in her career and I'm not sure how many Gino has won in his career, but I know it's not even close to 1,000...Yes, UConn is good this year but I wouldn't hand them the trophy yet...Only time will tell on that.
WLafIndianavol writes:
Add Da (DA) Man to that list of horse arses with Mike (UConn Moron) and Geno!
YankeeVol writes:
Negative Recruiting... it is the tactic of choice among mudslingers, low-lifers, sub-intellectuals, and overall dimwits. It drives me crazy when I see evidence of it, which is often...
volboy81 writes:
Geno Are an enima (and always will be.)
CDRKen writes:
Put me on that list to receive as well. We humans may go extinct, but, the earth and universe(s) are gonna be fine.
BTW Sports Fans - Pat Summitt IS lady's college BB. Period.
WLafIndianavol writes:
I will give Geno and UConn credit; they do know how to CHEAT!
armyvol544 writes:
Geno Auriemma has a problem with that Small Man Syndrome.
abnermc writes:
Agree w/ you but I challenge you to beat UCONN for the 2 uglies I mentioned.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
You are a UT fan and don't recognize the name of KARA (aka "Carol") Lawson? I didn't watch the whole UConn-Texas game because I was also watching the men's games at the same time, but Kara has never, to my knowledge, fanned the flames of the Pat v. Geno spat. She does not work for the Lady Vol Network, she works for ESPN. Even so, she has never had a bad word to say about Pat; quite the contrary, given her current employment.
CTOWNICON writes:
I agree 100%! I don't know why some people try to ignore these facts. Uconn is good but they will not go 40 and 0 this year. I am not giving them the trophy either because there are other teams out there this year who are just as good. North Carolina, Stanford are perfect examples and on a neutral court and with a good officiated game where all of the calls are not going Geno's way, either of those two teams could beat Uconn this year. I am not saying that they will beat them but they can. Uconn is a different team this year and they played sloppy in that game against Texas and those guards are not that good. The Faris girl is better than the ones that start. The playing fields are level this year and the trophy is up for grabs, and Stanford looks good.
CTOWNICON writes:
How is Ut chasing when they have 8 trophies and Uconn has 6. Did you learn how to count from 1 to 10? Obviously you didn't because if you did you would know that 8 was a higher number than 6, meaning more! You act as if Uconn didn't fall off when Ut was winning their trophies. At least 4 out of the six times that Uconn won their trophies guess who was right there with them, Tennessee. Where was Uconn when we won our 8, at home looking wishing they were playing. So you see, Lady vols have always been there and don't you forget it. Now you can put the orange glasses on, you know you want to.
CTOWNICON writes:
Does he dominate you when he puts on the leather and grabs the whips and chains? LOL! Do you take running with the big boy or do you run from it?
utfan00 writes:
Which is most important?
Health care plan or the trophy for 2010
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