Legendary sports radio host Dan Patrick bashed Geno Auriemma for his postgame actions following UConn’s Final Four loss to South Carolina.

The iconic college basketball coach caused a major uproar at the women’s NCAA Tournament after a heated encounter with Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley went viral. However, Auriemma’s apology might not be enough to win back over sports media members like Patrick.

MORE: Geno Auriemma apologizes for unacceptable Final Four meltdown

Patrick went on his “The Dan Patrick Show” program Monday to rip into the UConn coach’s actions involving Staley. Meanwhile, the longtime host’s sentiments have been shared by other personalities like Stephen A. Smith.

"I was embarrassed for him… Act like the greatest coach in the game – nothing's given to you, you know that!"

– DP on Geno Auriemma's interaction with Dawn Staley. pic.twitter.com/H2S4VYVIc9

— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) April 6, 2026

The awkward situation between Auriemma and Staley spilled over into postgame interviews after South Carolina pulled off the upset. Ultimately, the Gamecocks lost the national title game against UCLA.

Auriemma continues to receive backlash from prominent shows

However, many college basketball fans are more concerned about Auriemma’s questionable antics that seemingly stemmed from a missed handshake opportunity.

“I was embarrassed for him,” Patrick said during Monday’s show. “Act like the greatest coach in the game – nothing’s given to you, you know that!”

MORE: Mike Krzyzewski roasts Bill Belichick, North Carolina after college basketball hire

Auriemma is one of the unquestioned all-time greats in his 40-plus years as the Huskies coach. However, his 1,288 career wins aren’t enough to shield him after clashing with Staley, who also has an impressive college coaching resume.

“There’s no excuse for how I handled the end of the game vs. South Carolina,” Auriemma said after issuing an apology. “It’s unlike what I do and what our standard is here at Connecticut. I want to apologize to the staff and the team at South Carolina. It was uncalled for in how I reacted.

The working relationship between Auriemma and Staley extends beyond college basketball though. The two previous coached together with Team USA Basketball during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil.

It’s certainly possible that the situation subsides heading into the 2026-27 season, but another UConn-South Carolina matchup would provide immediate attention if the sides meet again.

In college basketball, sustained excellence is rare, but achieving it across both the men’s and women’s games is even rarer. Only a select few teams and programs have reached the summit in both NCAA men’s and women’s basketball. This distinction reflects more than just isolated championship runs; it signals institutional alignment, elite coaching, and a culture that consistently produces high-level talent on both sides of the sport.

Programs like UConn have turned dual success into an expectation, pairing a dominant women’s dynasty with a men’s team that thrives in March. Others, such as UCLA, have recently evolved into modern dual champions. Meanwhile, schools like Stanford and Baylor exemplify balance, building systems where both programs can contend nationally over extended periods. North Carolina and Maryland round out the group with deep-rooted traditions, proving that championship DNA can extend across generations and across genders.

RELATED: Highest paid coaches in March Madness 2026

What unites these programs is not just banners, but infrastructure—investment in recruiting, player development, and leadership that transcends eras. In a landscape defined by parity and constant change, these schools stand apart as the few that have mastered the challenge of winning it all, regardless of which team takes the floor.

UCLA Bruins

UCLA’s place on this list is now unequivocal following its breakthrough 2026 NCAA women’s championship. Historically, the Bruins’ identity was built on the men’s program’s unparalleled dominance under legendary coach John Wooden, producing a record 11 national titles. The women’s program had long been competitive but lacked an NCAA-era championship until this recent triumph, which decisively changed its standing. With both programs now owning NCAA titles, UCLA transitions from a legacy-driven inclusion to a fully modern, dual-champion powerhouse.

Stanford Cardinal

Stanford has maintained one of the most balanced and consistently elite basketball profiles in the country. The women’s team, guided for decades by Tara VanDerveer, has secured multiple NCAA championships and set the standard for sustained excellence. The men’s group, though less decorated, captured the national title in 1942 and has remained periodically competitive. Stanford’s inclusion reflects institutional stability and long-term success across both programs.

RELATED: Players to watch in the 2026 March Madness Final Four

North Carolina Tar Heels

North Carolina’s men’s program is one of the sport’s blue bloods, boasting multiple national championships and a legacy shaped by legends like Michael Jordan and Dean Smith. The women’s group added to that prestige with its own NCAA title in 1994, establishing credibility on both sides of the game. While the men’s team garners more national attention, the women’s success ensures UNC’s place in this exclusive group. The Tar Heels exemplify tradition, talent development, and championship pedigree.

Maryland Terrapins

Maryland’s dual championships reflect a program capable of peaking at the highest level in both divisions. The men’s team broke through with its 2002 NCAA title after years of contention. The women’s program, on the other hand, captured its championship in 2006 with a dramatic and resilient tournament run. Both groups have remained competitive in strong conferences, reinforcing Maryland’s reputation for balanced excellence. Their achievements underscore depth and adaptability across eras.

UConn Huskies

UConn is arguably the gold standard for combined success in men’s and women’s college basketball. The men’s team has won multiple NCAA titles across different eras, demonstrating adaptability and tournament excellence. However, it is the women’s program under Geno Auriemma that has defined sustained dominance, with a record-setting number of championships and historic winning streaks. UConn’s unparalleled consistency across both programs cements its status as a powerhouse.

RELATED: Most consecutive Sweet 16 appearances in women’s NCAA tournament

Baylor Bears

Baylor’s rise into this group reflects a modern blueprint for building championship-caliber programs. The men’s team secured its first national title in 2021 with a dominant, defense-oriented squad. The women’s program had already established itself as a powerhouse, winning multiple NCAA championships and consistently contending at the highest level. Baylor’s presence highlights the impact of elite coaching, recruiting, and institutional investment across both programs.

Conclusion

These programs represent the highest standard of comprehensive excellence in college basketball. Winning on both the men’s and women’s stages requires more than talent—it demands vision, continuity, and institutional commitment. As the sport continues to evolve, this group remains the benchmark for what a truly complete basketball powerhouse looks like.