Geno Auriemma Says Caitlin Clark Was 'Set Up For Failure' In WNBA By 'Delusional' Fans

Since signing a massive five-year contract extension to remain the head coach of the UConn Huskies women's basketball team, head coach Geno Auriemma is making the media rounds. One of the biggest topics of discussion? Caitlin Clark and the WNBA, of course.

Given that Auriemma knows Clark well from her four years in college hoops, including losing to her and the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Final Four, it's a natural discussion topic. 

Plus, Auriemma knows the landscape of women's basketball better than almost anyone else. He's been the head coach at Connecticut since 1985 and was the head coach of the United States women's basketball team from 2009-16, winning two Olympic gold medals. 

On Wednesday, the Hartford Courant published a story in which they interviewed Auriemma. In that interview, Auriemma said that Clark was being "targeted" by WNBA veterans, and it goes beyond the usual rookie treatment.

"Every rookie has to go through the growing pains of being a professional basketball player," Auriemma said. "Is she facing the rookie challenge, the rookie hardships that are inherent with being a rookie? Yes. She’s also being targeted." 

Those are strong words from Auriemma, but not a surprise. It's clear to almost everyone that Clark is facing tough treatment from WNBA opponents and doesn't seem to be getting support from her Indiana Fever teammates. 

UConn Huskies women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma (pictured) thinks Caitlin Clark is being targeted by players in the WNBA.

(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Auriemma continued, saying that he's happy that women's basketball is getting the spotlight, but that he doesn't care for the treatment Caitlin Clark is receiving for her part in massively growing the interest. 

"[The