UConn’s Geno Auriemma to rejoin team Wednesday after positive COVID-19 test – ESPN

SAN ANTONIO -- After spending 10 days quarantining in Connecticut due to a positive COVID-19 test, UConn coach Geno Auriemma will fly to San Antonio on Wednesday to join the Huskies for the Sweet 16 and beyond.

Auriemma tested positive on March 14, causing him to miss the Huskies' opening two tournament games, wins over 16-seed High Point on Sunday and 8-seed Syracuse on Tuesday. After testing positive, Auriemma said he was experiencing no symptoms. He received both doses of the vaccine in the past month.

With Auriemma away from the team, associate head coach Chris Dailey -- who has been with Auriemma for 36 years -- has been handling head coaching duties.

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"This was a tough game because I didn't want to be in a position where I cost our players an opportunity to keep playing," Dailey said after Tuesday's win. "And he was actually really calming when I was talking to him. I think we were both anxious and I know everybody is going to be really happy to have him here tomorrow."

Dailey continued with a laugh, "I say that now, but he gets here at noon I think. At 5, I might regret saying that. But right now I'm looking forward to having him here."

Auriemma spent the opening games watching from his home and celebrated his 67th birthday on Tuesday, with the team calling him on Zoom earlier in the afternoon to sing him "Happy Birthday."

"It was definitely fun. We miss him a lot," forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa said. "We're thankful he'll be able to come up with us tomorrow and we're really excited to see him."

Star guard Paige Bueckers said before the game against Syracuse a perfect birthday present would be a win, which would allow Auriemma to rejoin the team for the tournament. And the freshman delivered, scoring 20 points with 4 assists in a dominant 83-47 win over Syracuse helping UConn advance to its 27th straight Sweet 16.

The Huskies will next face No. 5 seed Iowa and their own freshman phenom, Caitlin Clark.

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UConn's Geno Auriemma to rejoin team Wednesday after positive COVID-19 test - ESPN