The biggest nonconference tournament of the college basketball season is here. The Iowa State Cyclones, Auburn Tigers, North Carolina Tar Heels, UConn Huskies, Colorado Buffs, and the Michigan State Spartans all have a shot at winning the Maui Invitational during College Basketball's feast week.

Join this week's College basketball squad as Locked On College experts chime in on why their team has a chance to take home the title.

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In today’s episode of Locked On UConn, we’re joined by special guest Tee Baker, a contributing editor and BIG EAST beat reporter for The Next. We discuss Geno Auriemma’s historic legacy, including his incredible coaching partnership with Chris Dailey and how their philosophies continue to shape UConn women’s basketball. We also dive into this year’s team, breaking down standout players like Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and Sarah Strong, while examining UConn’s strengths, challenges, and their path to overcoming top challengers like South Carolina.

Show Notes

Segment 1: Geno’s Legacy and Coaching Philosophy

• Tee Baker shares their thoughts on UConn’s program legacy and Geno Auriemma’s coaching impact.

• Discussion on how this year’s team reflects Geno’s philosophies and where they’re evolving.

• The special dynamic between Geno and Chris Dailey and how their partnership has elevated women’s basketball.

• Discussion Questions:

• How has Geno and CD’s legacy shaped women’s basketball as a whole?

• Is Geno Auriemma the GOAT of basketball coaching?

Segment 2: X’s and O’s - Breaking Down This Year’s Team

• Examining UConn beyond Paige Bueckers: who else is stepping up, and what areas need improvement?

• Tee Baker gives insights into Paige Bueckers’ game and her inevitable rise to the WNBA as a potential No. 1 draft pick.

• The arrival of Sarah Strong: how she fits into Geno’s system and her potential to become a UConn great.

• Discussion Questions:

• What excites you most about Sarah Strong’s game?

• How does Paige Bueckers compare to past UConn stars in terms of skill and impact?

Segment 3: Azzi Fudd’s Role and UConn’s Road Ahead

• Azzi Fudd’s comeback story and how she complements Paige as a scoring threat and potential leader.

• Looking ahead to UConn’s toughest matchups, including South Carolina and LSU.

• Areas of improvement for UConn to dominate against top-tier programs.

• Discussion Questions:

• Can Azzi Fudd take on a leadership role, or is her scoring the best contribution to the team?

• What are the keys to beating elite teams like South Carolina and LSU?

In this episode of Locked On UConn, we reflect on two-time defending champion Dan Hurley’s fiery remarks on respect, officiating, and his team’s early struggles ahead of the Maui Invitational. Hurley shares his admiration for Geno Auriemma following his historic achievement as the winningest coach in college basketball history. Plus, we analyze UConn’s current challenges, including turnovers and guard play, and how they need to adjust before facing top-tier competition in Maui.

Show Notes:

Segment 1: Geno’s Historic Moment Through Hurley’s Eyes

Geno Auriemma surpasses Tara VanDerveer with his 1,217th win, cementing his legacy as college basketball’s greatest coach. Dan Hurley shares his thoughts on Geno’s relentless excellence, his influence on the sport, and how his success inspires UConn’s men’s program.

Discussion Questions:

• How does Geno’s success inspire current and future coaches?

• What lessons can Hurley and the men’s team draw from the culture Geno and CD built?

Segment 2: Hurley’s Reflections on Respect

Dan Hurley discusses officiating frustrations and his team’s lack of respect despite their championship success. He also reflects on UConn’s No. 3 preseason ranking, asking why the two-time champions weren’t ranked No. 1.

Discussion Questions:

• Are Hurley’s frustrations over respect valid, or do they come with the territory?

• How does Hurley use the lack of respect as a motivational tool for his players?

Segment 3: Preparing for Maui – Fixing Early-Season Struggles

UConn is undefeated but far from flawless, with issues in turnovers, fouling, and guard play coming to the forefront. Hurley outlines what needs to improve as the Huskies prepare for Memphis and a stacked field in Maui.