Geno Auriemma warns Breanna Stewart doubters: Dont bet on anybody else

Legendary UConn coach Geno Auriemma issued a stern warning for anyone questioning the postseason potential of a Breanna Stewart-led team. “Don’t bet on anybody else other than her,” Auriemma said Thursday at Big East Media Day.“It’s been like that since she was 15 years old when I first saw her play.”  Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Madeline Kenney about all things Liberty and WNBA.

When the stakes get raised and the lights get brighter, a beast within Stewart awakens.Doubting her team’s capabilities only fuels her. Stewart said as much Friday when asked about being overlooked by outsiders. “Honestly, I know that I’m the best, and I feel that every time I step on the court,” Stewart said.

“Nobody can do what I do, and just being confident … I’m detaching from judgement.” The proof is in her trophy case that’s bursting at the seams. “When you do look at her career, you look back and you realize there’s a regular-season Breanna Stewart and then there’s a postseason Breanna Stewart,” Auriemma said.“And Breanna Stewart probably plays in the playoffs as good as anybody I’ve ever seen, except maybe [Diana Taurasi] in terms of winning when you have to win, winning in knockout games.” Auriemma is obviously biased.

Stewart led UConn during one of the most dominant stretches in college basketball.With Stewart, the Huskies posted two undefeated seasons and won four consecutive NCAA Tournament championships. Stewart, one of women’s basketball’s most decorated stars, went a perfect 23-0 in March Madness contests. She’s won three WNBA championships and four World Cup titles.

She’s also a three-time EuroLeague champion and three-time Olympic gold medalist. Stewart is on one of the most impressive winning stretches in basketball history.She captured an Unrivaled championship in March, a EuroLeague championship in April, WNBA Commissioner’s Cup in June a...