Dynasty’ shows family, loyalty, hard work as team’s unifiers
Dan Bennett -Despite a tally of wins that place the University of Connecticut Huskies women’s basketball team among the great achievers in sports history, “The Dynasty: UConn Huskies” is as much about team-as-family – both unified and dysfunctional – sometimes unified by its dysfunction. And when backs are to the wall, they remain steadfastly loyal to each other.
The three-part documentary, with all episodes now streaming on Apple TV+, mostly sets aside game strategies and makeshift plays on court-side whiteboards, painting a portrait of people brought together for a common goal. Things get messy, and emotions run high, but quitting never shows up as a real possibility. The women on this team over generations are as laser-focused as their coach.
The story is told mainly through the lens of that coach, the legendary Geno Auriemma, the winningest coach in NCAA basketball history, who arrived in 1985 and over time turned a sad-sack program into a mighty force, winning 11 national championships, including four consecutive championships from 2013-16, and six undefeated seasons, with 111 consecutive victories from 2014-17.
“The Dynasty” uses news and other available footage to take us through the decades, and isn’t afraid to show scenes of hurtful conflict as well as those portraying profound success. This rigorous exam extends to the coaches also, especially the volatile but respectful rivalry between the blunt Auriemma and the stately and iconic Tennessee Lady Volunteers coach, the late Pat Summitt.
As the film makes clear, and as those who follow the sport know, Auriemma was no calm presence, though you get a few hints at him mellowing – a little – in the later years of the documentary. Auriemma is a Philly-raised, brutally honest coach who thrived in his tough-guy image, merging quick anger with more complex psychological cajoling. Again and again, the exasperated and sometimes profane coach – who is still active – finds a path back to love and support for his players.
As much, ‘Dynasty’ is the story of the team’s legendary player-leaders over decades, who mostly adapt to their coach’s style and emerge as confident, if battle-scarred, court warriors. Those include Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, and most notably the immensely talented Paige Bueckers, who stumbles early on in her journey before becoming among the team’s most legendary leaders. Several UConn players were on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Gold Medal team. “The Dynasty: UConn Huskies” tells us the stories of how this early-adult life experience created immovable bonds that still last. Basketball is the game; loyalty to team and teammates is the vital unifier.
“The Dynasty: UConn Huskies” A
Directors: Matthew Hamachek, Erica Sashin
Rated: TV-MA (for language)
Now Streaming on Apple TV+
