If you're tuning into the WNBA Draft tonight, you might spot a familiar face missing from the green room: Geno Auriemma. The legendary UConn women's basketball coach, a fixture at the event for decades, will not be in attendance in New York City.

Auriemma is absent for a solemn and personal reason. He is attending the funeral for Norm Myers, the husband of longtime UConn program assistant and former Huskies player, Peggy Myers. Norm passed away last month after a battle with brain cancer.

In his place, UConn assistant coach Morgan Valley will represent the storied program. Valley, who serves as the position coach for potential top pick Azzi Fudd, will be at the draft to support Fudd and any other Huskies hearing their names called. Auriemma reportedly spoke with Fudd and her family beforehand about the situation.

While his presence will be missed on a night that celebrates the future of the league he helped shape, Auriemma's priority underscores the deep family bonds within the UConn basketball community. It's a poignant reminder of the personal commitments that sometimes take precedence, even on the sport's biggest stages.