UConn women’s basketball head coach Geno Auriemma criticized the NCAA for changing the tournament format without consulting players or coaches.
Auriemma said the shift from four-site to two-site regional play has caused issues with practice schedules and game quality. He questioned why decisions are made without input from those involved in the sport.
"Does anybody who makes these decisions ever ask the coaches and the players, 'Hey, does this work? Do you guys do this during the regular season? Is this normal?'"
He pointed to poor 3-point shooting performances across several teams during the Sweet 16. Auriemma noted that his team practiced at 6:30 a.m., while others had later slots.
"Know what time our shootaround was yesterday? Six twenty (a.m. ET), I think, for half an hour," he said.
Auriemma also expressed concern about equipment, citing new balls and baskets impacting play.
"There's just no concept of how basketball is played," he added.
The NCAA claims the format change increased attendance. Auriemma emphasized the need for meaningful discussion instead of rushed adjustments.
His top-ranked UConn team faces No. 6 Notre Dame in the Elite 8 Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.