BERKELEY – When the Connecticut women's basketball team visited Berkeley last week, it meant that two of the most successful coaches ever in their respective sport were in the same city at the same time.

It also meant that two coaches that combine that success with a unique personality and intellect were also in close proximity.

Looking to capitalize on the nearness of UConn coach Geno Auriemma and Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, Cal women's basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb put together "A Chat With Champions" – a one-hour panel discussion with Auriemma and Kerr, with Gottlieb serving as moderator.

"I don't know if it would work if we had Bill Belicheck," said Gottleib, referring to the ultra-successful but famously bland coach of the NFL's New England Patriots. "Literally, these are two of the coaches that can share the stage and can have that similarity. They are both so incredibly successful, but you would also want to sit down and have dinner with them."

Both Kerr and Auriemma are known not only for their ability to produce winning basketball teams, but for what they have to say on and off the court as well. And their insights and wit were on full display during Friday's fundraiser at the University Club at Memorial Stadium.

Some highlights:

• When introducing him to begin the evening, Gottlieb said that "Auriemma has 1,037 career wins. I think we're all fine if he stays on that number through the holidays." Auriemma registered win No. 1,038 the next day when his Huskies held off the Bears 76-66 at Haas Pavilion.
• When talking about the circus-like atmosphere that exists when UConn goes on the road, Auriemma said: "The ultimate would be when you come to town, it's their first sellout, people are crazy and the home team wins. And then you hope that 5,000 of those people come back for the next game and go, 'Wow, I just saw something really, really cool.'….Now, I'm sure at some point that will happen here."
• Gottlieb asked Auriemma what he would do if his team was down by three points with 25 seconds left -  take a 3-pointer or go for a quick 2 and foul. When Auriemma immediately said "2 and foul," Gottlieb responded, "Good to know for tomorrow." Auriemma had the last laugh when he said, "I have to preface it by saying we're almost never in that situation ("Also noted," Gottlieb said)."
• Kerr, on an athlete's place in the political discussion: "I don't think a player has a responsibility to speak, but I think he or she has a right to speak. …When there is a time when it feels like it's needed, athletes are going to show up like they are now and make their voices heard. And I think it's important."

Gottlieb's idea for the fundraiser was partly prompted by a similar event Auriemma held with legendary coach Jim Foster a couple of years ago. The Warriors' schedule cooperated, and both subjects thought it was a terrific idea.

"They were both incredibly gracious," Gottlieb said. "They said yes immediately. Then it was just a matter of figuring out the details."