Report: Geno Auriemma returning as U.S. women's basketball Olympic coach

Geno Auriemma will reportedly coach the U.S. women at the 2016 Olympics. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma will return to coach the U.S. women's basketball team at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, reports The Associated Press.

The U.S. women's Olympic basketball team has won a gold medal in each of the past five Olympic games.

In London last year, the team blew away the competition winning by an average score of 34 points, including an 86-50 beating of France for the gold.

UConn won their eighth national championship in April to match Tennessee for the most in women's basketball.

More from the AP:

Since the end of the Olympics, Auriemma has denied interest in coaching in Rio and repeatedly said he would not return if asked. The 59-year-old Hall of Famer compared the experience to eating a bowl of his favorite mint chocolate chip ice cream. Auriemma can expect the return of veterans Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird and Tamika Catchings. All three have said they would play in Rio if healthy. In fact, most of the roster from the 2012 Games could return with stars Candace Parker, Maya Moore and Tina Charles all reaching their prime. Not to mention a wealth of young talent with WNBA rookies Elena Delle Donne and Brittney Griner.

"The second bowl doesn't taste as good as the first one," Auriemma said. "It never has and it never will."