When Geno Auriemma revealed why Sue Bird’s break down made him ecstatic: “Finally realised she’s not perfect”

Sue Bird was one of the many legendary players to play for Geno Auriemma and the UConn Huskies. She won two NCAA championships, as a sophomore and as a senior.

During an interview with Graham Bensinger for his show, "In Depth," in 2011, Auriemma shared an instance where he had to use his tough love approach. This was to help Bird realize that she too is human.

Auriemma first shared that Bird was someone who put on a facade and pretended like nothing could get to her. However, he said that nobody is a robot and all those fears and emotions a person hides will burst out one day.

"Late in her senior year, at the appropriate time, it all came out and she got mad about an assignment that she missed," Auriemma said. (0:59) "Kids scored and she didn't have her hand up. I questioned the wrong and I got on her about and naturally, she's never wrong.

"So she came back at me with it and I let her have it and she broke down. I'm like, 'Good, she finally realized she's not perfect. Now we can move on.' And then, obviously, she was the best player in the NCAA when we won the national championship."

Geno Auriemma is known to never hold back when it comes to his players. At the same time, UConn also has a reputation for putting out the best-trained players who can easily transition to the WNBA.

In her senior year with the Huskies, Sue Bird had her best averages among the four years, averaging 14.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists. She was picked No. 1 by the Seattle Storm and won four championships with the team.

UConn Huskies to celebrate Geno Auriemma's 40th season with the team

Geno Auriemma, with assistant coach Chris Dailey, have played a crucial role in the program's success since 1985. To celebrate their 40th season with the Huskies, UConn has planned a celebration during the game against Fairleigh Dickinson on Nov. 20, at Gampel Pavilion.

“I still find it hard to believe that I’ve been at UConn for over half my life, Auriemma said. "I feel like there’s so much more that can be done, and will be done, and I’m excited to be the one to do it with my staff and my team. I’m probably as excited about these next few years as I’ve ever been over the last 40.”

The event will see all of Auriemma's players come down to Storrs to celebrate the successful run with 11 championships, including four back-to-back.

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