Eleven-time national championship-winning women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma's comments about how the rise of name, image and likeness are impacting the college sports world sparked an uproar.
UW's win over St. John's over the weekend improved the Huskies' record to 14-3. After the game, Auriemma spoke to the media and was asked about the challenges the NIL and transfer portal currently pose to coaches.
“It’s unfortunate because a school like St. John’s probably has some teams in our league (Big East) in women’s basketball, you know, really, really. You've got some really, really good players,' you coached them thoroughly, and you just made them who they are,'' Auriemma said. “The same thing happened last year at Seton Hall, and the kid said, 'Yeah, I think you can make more money elsewhere.'
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University Huskies head coach during a press conference after the game between the University Huskies and the Vermont Catamounts in the first round of the Seattle Regional 3 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs on March 18, 2023. , Geno Auriemma addresses the media. C.T. (M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Auriemma suggested that the NIL introduced a transactional mindset to the college sports world.
“Well, you wouldn't have been able to do as well as you did without the coaching staff that you have now. So, again, this would just be a trade. I don't think any of the coaches were involved in that. , that's “People my age completely agree with all of that. ”
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Auriemma's comments appeared to be aimed at Mississippi State guard Lauren Parklane. He transferred from Seton Hall to Mississippi State University after the 2022-23 season.
Park Lane and strength coach Kaitie Jones posted on social media shortly after Auriemma shared his thoughts.
“Wow,” Parklane wrote on Company X (formerly known as Twitter). “…I'm still eligible, so I'm going to save my comment.”
“To say I dropped out of a four-year college for money is reckless,” she later added.
Meanwhile, Ms Jones defended Mr Park Lane's decision to transfer schools.
January 7, 2024. Columbia, South Carolina, USA. Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Lauren Parklane, 3, attempts a 3-point basket in the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Colonial Life Arena. (Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports)
“Please don't say my (point guard's) name,” Jones wrote. “She transferred as a graduate transfer. Last I checked, dedicating four years of her eligibility to the university is an agreed-upon completion of obligations. She wants to compete for championships, not a paycheck.” It is.”
Fellow college basketball players also defended Park Lane, including LSU star Angel Reese.
Geno Ori of the University Huskies reacts during the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Climate Pledge Arena on March 25, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. Emma head coach. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
“It's always been that kid and always will be that kid,” Reese posted. “I remember you jokingly asked me to come hang out with you[at Maryland]and you said you always loved Seton Hall and wanted to graduate there! Stay a Cheat Code please!”
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In four seasons at Seton Hall, Park-Rance averaged 15.9 points per game. She earned unanimous All-Big East First Team honors for her outstanding performance in 2022-23 and strong season in 2021-22. This is her first year in Starkville and she has started all but one game so far.
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