In the world of sports, some milestones are more than just numbers. Geno Auriemma's latest achievement is one such milestone, as he marks his 655th appearance in the Associated Press Top 25, surpassing Tara VanDerveer for the most appearances by any coach in the history of the women’s poll. This isn't just a ceremonial accolade; it’s a testament to decades of excellence and a legacy of dominance.
Auriemma's UConn Huskies are no strangers to the top spot, and this week is no different. They sit undefeated at 29-0, the unanimous No. 1 team in the nation.
With all 31 voters placing them at the pinnacle, the Huskies have extended their winning streak to 45 games, dating back to last season. It's not just about winning; it's about controlling the game, defending with intensity, sharing the ball, and maintaining composure when the pressure mounts.
This calm and collected demeanor reflects Auriemma’s own personality-demanding, disciplined, and confident.
Behind UConn, the top five remains unchanged. UCLA holds the No. 2 spot after clinching its first outright league title.
South Carolina sits comfortably at No. 3, showcasing its resilience in the SEC. Texas, with one of the most well-rounded rosters, holds the fourth position, while Vanderbilt rounds out the top five, having battled through tough matchups against ranked teams.
Each of these contenders knows that the road to the title still runs through UConn.
Just outside the elite tier, there’s been some movement. LSU climbed to No. 6 following a strong performance, while Oklahoma made a notable leap to No.
- Iowa surged to No. 9 after a critical victory over Michigan in a Big Ten showdown, which tightened the conference race.
Michigan slipped to No. 8, and Louisville checks in at No. 10.
Duke fell to No. 12 after its winning streak was snapped by Clemson, and Ohio State now sits at No. 13 after a rough patch.
The Big Ten race is heating up, with Iowa, Michigan, Ohio State, and Maryland all jockeying for position as the regular season draws to a close.
Meanwhile, Tennessee's unexpected drop from the rankings has caught many by surprise. The Lady Vols have lost seven of their last nine games, including defeats to Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma. With 31 consecutive weeks in the rankings now broken, the program faces a challenging path ahead, with LSU and Vanderbilt still on the schedule.
The SEC leads all conferences with nine teams in the rankings, followed by the Big Ten with seven. The Big 12 boasts four, the ACC three, and both the Ivy League and Big East have one each. This depth creates a competitive landscape with few easy games and constant shifts in momentum.
Yet, the spotlight remains on Auriemma. His 655 appearances in the AP Top 25 are more than just numbers; they represent a relentless standard of excellence that has remained steady, even as the sport evolves. With March on the horizon, Geno Auriemma and his Huskies continue to be at the heart of college basketball’s grand narrative.