The 2025-26 college season is underway, but the teams are not yet settled. Not because it’s too early in the season, but there could be any changes in the rosters depending on the transfer portal situation nowadays. The UConn Huskies’ HC Geno Auriemma is not a fan of such change and mentioned that it’s hurting high school basketball.
Earlier in April 2025, Olivia Miles opted out of the 2025 WNBA draft and entered the transfer portal, and later moved to TCU. Miles defended her move to TCU, but many claimed it was for the higher pay in the WNBA and the NIL deals. Auriemma hinted at a similar stand and criticized such moves.
Geno Auriemma Criticizes New Reality Of College Basketball
The NIL allowed student-athletes to get commercial success with their popularity. While it was a nice initiative to share a portion of their success with players, it has become a trend for college athletes to switch teams, often in pursuit of higher NIL deals. Moreover, the November transfer portal is allowing coaches to lure the ‘established’ stars with the higher NIL value.
Geno Auriemma is not a fan of such transfers, as he made his feelings clear in the recent press conference. Answering the question regarding the signing period for the 2026 high school class not having the same excitement as it once did, Auriemma said, “Yeah, it certainly has changed. All this transfer portal stuff… All it’s doing is really hurting the high school kids. It seems that everything that comes along is a real negative for the high school kids.”
Geno Auriemma discusses the impact of the transfer period and extra eligibility on the November signing period:
— UConn on SNY (@SNYUConn) November 13, 2025
"All it's doing is really hurting the high school kids. It seems that everything that comes along is a real negative for the high school kids" pic.twitter.com/Ko3rj6N1FX
He added, “Like everybody else in the country, you either get what you want in November — and if you do, great. That doesn’t mean you’re not gonna get more in April — and if you don’t get what you want in November, there’s certainly gonna be players available in April.”
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The Huskies traditionally attracted the top players from the high school class, which strengthened their core and helped them maintain dominance in college basketball and earn the highest pick in the WNBA draft, too. Their recent top player, Azzi Fudd, is already one of the top 5 draft picks in the 2026 WNBA draft.
As for UConn’s current season, the defending champions are undefeated so far in the season and recently recorded a stunning 85-31 win over Loyola. But the coach was not happy with the win.
Geno Auriemma Not Thrilled With Recent Win
The UConn basketball team relies heavily on a defensive game that fuels its offense and gives it many open shots at the offensive end. The side delivered a similar performance against Loyola, holding off the opposition to single-digit scoring in three quarters. But Auriemma found one flaw in the win.
“I’m not exactly thrilled with where we are offensively right now. So much of our offense is coming from our defense. And I don’t know that’s something you’re gonna be able to count on every night. Getting 25 steals against people,” Huskies’ HC said.
"I'm not exactly thrilled with where we are offensively"
— UConn on SNY (@SNYUConn) November 13, 2025
Geno Auriemma discusses the offense tonight for the Huskies, despite getting 25 steals vs. Loyola pic.twitter.com/ELFV532Aol
He mentioned that the side has to be more cohesive on offense and create shots for themselves. Auriemma added that the side can have such an effect on other teams, but it won’t last for long.