Staley makes show of pregame hug with Close
Why it matters: The incident highlights ongoing tensions and differing interpretations of sportsmanship among top women's college basketball coaches.
- Dawn Staley conspicuously embraced and shook hands with UCLA coach Cori Close and her assistants before the national championship game, then smirked at the crowd, seemingly acknowledging the previous controversy.
- Geno Auriemma publicly criticized Staley after the Final Four game, stating she failed to follow the 41-year coaching protocol of meeting at halfcourt for a handshake after introductions, despite shaking hands earlier.
- Staley expressed disappointment that the handshake drama gained significant traction, calling it "disheartening" and a distraction from her team's quest for a third national championship in five seasons.
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley made a public show of embracing UCLA coach Cori Close before their national championship game, a clear contrast to the pregame handshake drama with UConn's Geno Auriemma in the Final Four. Auriemma had publicly criticized Staley for not following traditional midcourt handshake protocol, a claim Staley dismissed as a distraction from her team's pursuit of a third national title.
