Geno Auriemma praises Jessica Shepard during WNBA broadcast return

During a broadcast for the WNBA game between the Dallas Wings and New York Liberty on July 7, 2026, UConn coach Geno Auriemma praised Wings forward Jessica Shepard. Shepard recorded her third triple-double of the season with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists in the game resulting in an 88-77 victory for the Wings. Auriemma highlighted Shepard's performance, claiming she was the 'best player on the court.' This was a notable return for Auriemma, as he previously called the first WNBA game on ESPN in 1997. The matchup featured three recent No. 1 WNBA draft picks from UConn, adding to its significance in this 30th season of the league.

• 3:21 PMCBS Sports — In WNBA broadcast return, Geno Auriemma lauds rival Notre Dame alum Jessica Shepard as 'best player' on court