Geno Auriemma asked to dress up as Carl Fredricksen on Halloween by former UConn star and fans
Halloween is around the corner and Geno Auriemma got an off-court assist from her former student, Nika Muhl. In a video captured by Overtime WBB at UConn's first day, the UConn's women's basketball coach was asked about his attire for Oct. 31.
Initially, Auriemma said he was waiting for fans to come up with suggestions. Later, the social media handle of Overtime WBB shared that fans, along with Nika Muhl, are anticipating him to dress up as Carl Fredricksen from the movie Up.
Even though Geno Auriemma followed his ritual of playfully jabbing at Muhl, he did not dismiss the idea. He also shared that he had liked the movie and personally relates to the Carl Fredricksen character.
Earlier, the media outlet had turned to fans, probing them about the questions they wanted to ask the UConn coach. Geno Auriemma's potential Halloween attire was the most submitted inquiry.
Fans' demand for it comes primarily due to a resemblance between the movie character and Auriemma, which was intensified by Nika Muhl's backing.
Nika Muhl and Auriemma share a special player-coach bond, which has gained a fan base of its own over the years. The biggest moment came this summer, when Muhl was transitioning from UConn to the WNBA.
Muhl entered Auriemma's office before heading to Seattle Storm's training camp. However, before the emotional exchange, the two spewed friendly verbal banter toward each other, highlighting their unique relationship.
Geno Auriemma once had to discipline his player after her Halloween hijinks
Known for his humorous qualities off the court, Auriemma was forced to resort to strict measures to compose one of his student-athletes.
The incident occurred in 2012, when UConn’s guard Caroline Doty was handed a citation by the university for causing public disturbance in a dorm. Doty was dressed as Lady Gaga and was one of three students pointed for excessive noise and banging on doors.
While talking to the media on Nov. 6, 2012, Geno Auriemma mocked Caroline Doty, citing her actions to be childish and immature.
"Halloween is for an 8-year-old," Auriemma said. "The decision that a 23-year-old makes to go trick-or-treating is dumb. And invariably, the stuff they are going to do is dumber. So that's what I think about Caroline."
"Unfortunately, they're held to a higher standard. What comes with a scholarship? For the next four years you can never be caught doing anything any other kid would do on a Friday night.”
Furthermore, Doty was sidelined from UConn’s next game. While it was assumed that it was Auriemma's way to punish the guard, the coach later shared that she had tweaked her knee in practice.