HARTFORD, Conn. _ It's Monday, March 23, and for the first time in over 20 years, Geno Auriemma doesn't have to prepare for or worry about postseason basketball on his birthday.
Of course, unlike the last time this happened when UConn lost to Iowa State in the 1999 Sweet 16, Auriemma had absolutely no control over this outcome. It's been nearly two weeks since the NCAA Tournament was canceled. Most of his team has gone home. If Auriemma goes into work in Storrs, there's no one else around.
"Just being here, being out of the house, making yourself feel like at least I'm trying to have as normal a day as I can, just don't interact with anybody," Auriemma told The Courant on his 66th birthday about how he's adjusting.
But it didn't take long for him to concede that that's easier said than done.
"There's nothing normal about it," Auriemma admitted. "Absolutely nothing normal about it."
So much about this spring and beyond remains unknown. But in the meantime, here's how Auriemma is getting through it all, as a coach, restaurant owner and avid reader and television consumer.
