Many players came and went, but UConn had one constant for 40 years, Geno Auriemma. Well, technically, he was never alone in this. The associate head coach, Chris Dailey, also contributed to the Huskies’ dominance. Talking about it, their star guard, Paige Bueckers, couldn’t hold back from admitting that. But something in her words didn’t sit well and, of course, the Hall of Famer head coach fired back with what he thought was the perfect reply.

Hours before the big night when Auriemma could be rewriting history as the only college basketball coach to record a 1,217th career win, Paige was asked about her thoughts on HC’s accomplishments if Dailey hadn’t been by his side. “Lost,” she responded without hesitation.

“I feel like every man needs a woman to be around and to keep him in check,” the 23-year-old commented. “They both bring different things to the table, and they both help each other be better,” Paige said reflecting on the duo’s greatness. “They have great relationships where they can challenge each other, hold each other accountable, and also support each other. So yeah, there’s not one without the other.”

Later, when the remarks reached Geno, he said, “I think I’ve been lost a lot over the years, but I always found my way back.” However, he had something deeper to add, “I just think there’s an awful lot of things that you never even consider being without.”

Geno began his journey with the Huskies in 1985 and that same year he found a reliable right hand in Dailey. “Everybody else turned me down,” the coach confessed when he reached out to others for the job. Dailey too wanted to do so initially but fortunately changed her mind.

Connecticut wasn’t in good shape when they first arrived, but through hard work and dedication, they transformed it and made it one of the most reputable teams. The mutual faith they had in each other proved to be the key to their success. 11 national championships and a cabinet full of accolades later, Geno and Dailey stand at the center stage with the spotlight shining on them.

While the 70-year-old coach has had similar moments before, for the 65-year-old, this one is emotional, and she credited him for making it all possible.

Chris Dailey showers Geno Auriemma with praise

The team officials would be honoring Geno Auriemma and Chris Dailey’s dedication at Gampel Pavilion on Wednesday and reporters were eager to know what was going on in Dailey’s mind about sharing the stage with the coach for the special moment.

“I don’t know of any other head coach that would be as willing to share the limelight as he is,” her voice broke a little as she spoke. “Whether it’s with me in particular in this way I just think it says everything about him.”

It certainly reflects Geno’s humility and Dailey like a true partner didn’t hesitate to give him the credit he deserved. “I am appreciative for, you know, all the responsibilities he’s given me,” she expressed, “and the trust that he has in me and being able to share this with him in this way is really special to me.”

The Huskies have everything planned to make the day a memorable one for the longtime partners. To celebrate the occasion, former UConn graduates are expected to attend and a win against Fairleigh would definitely be the cherry on the cake.