UConn Fans Point Out Geno Auriemma's Caring Critique of Azzi Fudd in Win vs Butler

Geno Auriemma's gentle approach to coaching Azzi Fudd has UConn Huskies fans laughing.

Feb 16, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma directs his team against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images | Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Geno Auriemma's UConn Huskies squad is rolling right now. Since their defeat to Tennessee earlier this month, they have won five consecutive games, including an impressive rout against the South Carolina Gamecocks last weekend.

Star guard Azzi Fudd has been a major factor in UConn's recent run, as she torched the Gamecocks to the tune of 28 points including (6-10 on three-pointers) one game after she scored a career-high 34 points against St. John's.

Fudd came back to earth during UConn's February 22 win over Butler, finishing the game with just 10 points on 5-6 shooting (including 0-1 from three) in 27 minutes played.

At one point in the game, the broadcast caught Geno Auriemma saying, "Azzi, shoot the ball," in what seemed to be a relatively gentle manner, which was reposted on X by @ShowCaseShabazz.

"Azzi, shoot the ball" 🤣 pic.twitter.com/X0Fs7Pmf1k

— Basketball Scout (@ShowCaseShabazz) February 22, 2025

Auriemma isn't necessarily known for being gentle with his top players. However, fans on social media are noting that Auriemma's coaching of Fudd seems to differ from that of other Huskies.

"the difference between how he talks to Azzi and everyone else is hilarious, it's literally," one fan replied to the post with a hilarious side-by-side of Gordon Ramsey speaking to two different people.

the difference between how he talks to Azzi and everyone else is hilarious, it's literally https://t.co/ihCeck1TSd pic.twitter.com/JddlLZ3e4E

— funky little boar (@zukonis) February 22, 2025

"see how soft grandpa is talking that's princess 😭😭," added another.

see how soft grandpa is talking that's princess 😭😭 https://t.co/MI5sJLBTLe

— samar (@apsamar_5) February 22, 2025

"bro is so respectful when talking to her compared to everybody else like hide your favoritism a bit 😭💀," wrote a third.

bro is so respectful when talking to her compared to everybody else like hide your favoritism a bit 😭💀 https://t.co/NWPQkwORBg

— #35 back 😈🐺 (@bueckers__) February 22, 2025

Much of Auriemma's success is surely owed to him knowing how to get through to his players in different ways depending on their personalities. And his gentler approach with Fudd has clearly paid off.