Geno Auriemma Blasts WNBA Over Kelsey Mitchell’s MVP Snub: “A Deliberate Mistake”..
In a fiery post-season rant that has ignited debates across the basketball world, legendary UConn coach Geno Auriemma unleashed his fury on the WNBA, accusing the league of committing a “deliberate mistake” by snubbing Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell from the 2025 MVP award. Auriemma, a vocal advocate for women’s hoops excellence, didn’t mince words during a recent ESPN interview, calling the decision “a blatant oversight that undermines the very essence of merit-based recognition.”
Mitchell, the 29-year-old sharpshooter, had a career-defining season for the Fever, leading the league with 111 three-pointers made and finishing second in total scoring with 890 points—stats that propelled Indiana to the playoffs amid injuries to stars like Caitlin Clark. Named a top-5 MVP finalist alongside A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Allisha Gray, and Alyssa Thomas, Mitchell earned her first-ever AP All-WNBA First Team nod. Yet, when the Kia MVP trophy went to Wilson for the third straight year, Mitchell was left empty-handed, sparking outrage.
“It’s infuriating,” Auriemma thundered. “Kelsey carried that team through adversity with quiet brilliance—consistent, clutch, and selfless. This isn’t just a snub; it’s deliberate, ignoring her impact because she doesn’t chase the spotlight.” The Hall of Famer, who has coached countless WNBA talents, drew parallels to past injustices, like Candace Parker’s 2016 Olympic exclusion, which he once defended but now sees as part of a pattern favoring flash over substance.
WNBA analyst Rachel DeMita echoed the sentiment on her Courtside Club podcast, suggesting Mitchell’s “under-the-radar” style—lacking the animated flair of peers—cost her votes. “She’s not flashy, but she’s the engine,” DeMita said. “Caitlin’s shadow and the MVP’s emphasis on full-season narratives played a role too.” Fans on social media erupted, with #JusticeForKelsey trending, amplifying calls for voting reforms.
Auriemma’s tirade arrives as the Fever face the Aces in the semifinals, where Mitchell dropped 28 points in Game 1’s upset win. Her resilience mirrors the coach’s ethos: excellence demands no apologies. As playoffs heat up, this controversy underscores a deeper WNBA reckoning—valuing grinders like Mitchell could redefine greatness.
