Geno Auriemma, a name synonymous with women’s basketball, is no stranger to bold opinions and fiery controversies.
But this time, the Hall of Fame coach finds himself in an entirely new kind of storm—one that’s shaking his credibility and leaving fans scratching their heads.
In a stunning twist, Auriemma has gone from doubter to cheerleader, showering Clark with praise so over-the-top it feels out of character.
Is it genuine admiration, or could something else be motivating this sudden change?
Geno Auriemma Furious as Caitlin Clark’s Rejection Costs Him Millions
Geno Auriemma, the Hall of Fame coach known for his fiery personality and outspoken views on women’s basketball, is facing a storm of controversy. For years, Auriemma has been one of Caitlin Clark’s harshest critics, dismissing her potential success in the WNBA, and questioning her ability to thrive in the professional league. However, after Clark’s breakout rookie season, which shattered expectations and earned her Rookie of the Year honors, Auriemma has undergone a dramatic shift. He has gone from critic to cheerleader, offering glowing praise for Clark’s game-changing talent. But what is behind this sudden 180? Could it be related to Auriemma’s significant financial stake in the upstart basketball league, Unrivaled, which desperately wanted to land Clark?
A Long History of Criticism
Auriemma’s history with Clark goes back to her college days when she rejected an offer to join UConn, choosing instead to attend Iowa. The rejection seemed to sting for Auriemma, who is used to attracting top recruits to his powerhouse program. As Clark’s college career blossomed, Auriemma’s critiques only grew sharper.
He ridiculed her fans, calling them “delusional” for believing she could dominate the WNBA. Auriemma also questioned Clark’s physicality and skillset, claiming she wouldn’t be able to handle the more athletic, faster-paced game of professional basketball. Even Yukon legend Diana Taurasi chimed in, echoing Auriemma’s doubts.
Yet, in the face of relentless skepticism, Clark let her performance do the talking. In her rookie season in the WNBA, Clark not only defied her doubters but redefined what it means to be a player in the league. Averaging a league-high 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds, Clark led the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016. She was named First Team All-WNBA, Rookie of the Year, and broke 62 records along the way. Her impact was undeniable, and her game changed the narrative around women’s basketball.
A Sudden Shift in Tone
With Clark’s rising stardom, something unexpected happened. Auriemma, the same coach who had dismissed her abilities for years, began to shower her with praise. He called her an “incredible phenomenon,” stating that she had revolutionized the game.
“She’s not just good; she’s a once-in-a-lifetime player,” Auriemma said, acknowledging her deep three-pointers and fearless leadership as groundbreaking. His new-found admiration was as swift as it was surprising. He even went so far as to admit that Clark had surpassed one of his own former stars, Paige Bueckers, calling Clark the best player of all time.
This shift in attitude has left many wondering if Auriemma’s newfound adoration is genuine or if there are ulterior motives behind his praise. Could this change be linked to his investment in the new three-on-three basketball league, Unrivaled, which was actively trying to recruit Clark?
Unrivaled: A League With Everything Riding on Clark
The league’s big pitch? Attracting a star like Caitlin Clark. Unrivaled’s backers understood that having Clark on board could be the key to their success, and they pulled out all the stops to make it happen. Clark, however, turned down their offer despite a reported $1 million contract for an eight-week season—an unheard-of sum in women’s basketball.
Sources revealed that Clark’s decision was not due to lack of interest in the league, but because she had been playing non-stop since her senior season at Iowa, and after a grueling rookie campaign in the WNBA, she decided she needed a break. Rest and recovery were her priorities, rather than the financial allure of a new league.
The Fallout: Auriemma’s Frustration
When Clark publicly confirmed she would not be joining Unrivaled, the fallout was immediate. Fans and analysts were disappointed, and Gino Auriemma’s frustration was palpable. As an investor, Auriemma had more than just pride on the line—without Clark, the league would lack the star power it desperately needed to draw attention. Her absence cast a shadow over the league’s inaugural season, and the social media buzz that once surrounded Unrivaled quickly fizzled.
Auriemma’s investment in the league had seemed like a calculated move to profit off of Clark’s massive popularity. But without her, the league’s future became uncertain. Fans, aware of his role in the league, began to speculate that Auriemma’s praise for Clark could have been part of a longer-term strategy to win her over. The timing of his glowing remarks raised eyebrows, with many wondering if he was trying to soften Clark’s perception of him to make her more likely to consider joining Unrivaled in the future.
Conclusion: The Price of Praise
In the end, it’s clear that Clark holds all the power in this situation. While Auriemma may have been furious when she turned down Unrivaled, Clark’s success in the WNBA and her ability to shape the future of women’s basketball are undeniable. The story of their dynamic will continue to unfold, and one thing is for sure: as Caitlin Clark’s star rises, her former critics will likely have no choice but to keep their praise coming—whether it’s sincere or not.
