Breanna Stewart, Geno Auriemma Named 2016 AP Player and Coach of the Year

As the UConn Huskies women's basketball team makes its ninth-straight Final Four appearance, the Associated Press announced it has named Breanna Stewart and Geno Auriemma player and coach of the year, respectively. 

It's the third year in a row Stewart has received the honors. Auriemma is now an eight-time winner but hasn't won since 2011.

The AP conducted voting before the NCAA tournament.

Stewart was the first unanimous selection for the player award in men's or women's competition since 1995, when Virginia’s Ralph Sampson took home the honors, per the AP.

Auriemma received 16 votes from the 32-member panel for the coaching distinction, with Oregon State’s Scott Rueck and Notre Dame’s Muffet McGraw finishing in a tie for second with three votes apiece, per the AP.

The Huskies haven’t lost since Nov. 17, 2014—a span of 73 games—and are on the brink of an 11th national title under Auriemma, which would put him ahead of UCLA men’s coach John Wooden for the most all-time in NCAA basketball history.

Despite his many accolades, which also include two Olympic gold medals, Auriemma has always remained stern and stoic in his accomplishments. Yet he steered away from that demeanor following Saturday’s announcement, per Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated:

Stewart is also going for a career sweep seeking a fourth straight Final Four MVP trophy, putting her in the conversation among the best college players ever. Auriemma addressed the topic recently, per Laken Litman of USA Today:

"

You know, we have a tendency to do that in America. If you’re the best right now, you’re the best of all time. I don’t necessarily live in that world. I just, suffice to say, that what Breanna Stewart has done during her four years at Connecticut and what she’s especially done in the NCAA tournament, the way she’s competed, the way she’s played in the Final Four, that’s never been done.

"

Earlier this week, Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy tweeted that UConn’s resounding success was damaging the competitive nature of the women’s game. 

Auriemma responded by passionately defending his team, per Fox Sports:

The Huskies continue to make history and are showing no signs of slowing. Stewart and Auriemma’s awards were well-deserving, but the prospect of winning another title would be the ultimate prize. If they do so, they will continue to be in the conversation among one of the great sports dynasties.