Why UConn’s Geno Auriemma didn’t attend 2026 WNBA Draft

UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma had his reasons for being unable to attend the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday night.

Auriemma has been the program’s head coach for over four decades, leading them to incredible success with many national championships. He had the honor of coaching many star players to the WNBA, which was no different for Paige Bueckers in 2025 and now Azzi Fudd for this special occasion.

However, personal reasons prevented Auriemma from being present at the draft to support Fudd. He attended a funeral of one of his program assistants, who lost her husband due to brain cancer, per reporter Alexa Philippou.

“UConn coach Geno Auriemma is not attending the WNBA draft tonight. He is attending services for the husband of UConn program assistant (and his former player) Peggy Myers, who lost her husband, Norm, last month to brain cancer,” Philippou wrote.

“Auriemma spoke with potential No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd and her family about the situation before the draft. Assistant coach Morgan Valley, Fudd’s position coach, will be at her table this evening representing the Huskies staff.”

What lies ahead for Geno Auriemma, UConn

Geno Auriemma knows he will always have immense support for his former star players going to the WNBA. However, there are matters more important as the reasoning for his absence was perfectly understandable.

Even though he wasn’t present, he will be proud of the fact that Azzi Fudd went first overall in the WNBA Draft with the Dallas Wings selecting her. It will allow her to reunite with former UConn star Paige Bueckers, something that Auriemma will look forward to watching when the 2026 campaign begins.

In the meantime, he will prepare for Year 42 with the Huskies. This past season was solid for the program as they attempted to defend their title from the year prior.

They went undefeated in the regular season as they returned to the Final Four for the third straight year. However, their efforts fell short after losing to South Carolina in the national semifinals, concluding the 2025-26 season with a 38-1 overall record.

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