Before UConn hired a little-known Italian-born coach with a wry sense of humor and an insatiable work ethic, the school’s women’s basketball program had only produced one winning season in 11 years. Geno Auriemma has since guided the Huskies to 29 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, 18 Final Fours, 11 national championships and six undefeated seasons.

Auriemma is on the cusp of another milestone Tuesday as UConn prepares to face unranked Oklahoma (5-5) at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. A win over the Sooner’s would be Auriemma’s 1,000th career victory, a plateau only a few other Division I basketball coaches have reached.