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“Hurley may be the main character in college basketball, but there are times that he is a sore loser. That is the reality,” said Jay Williams. And that one line captured everything about UConn’s season last year. The Huskies entered the year chasing something no team had done in decades. A three-peat. Basketball immortality. The entire college hoops world watched as Dan Hurley’s squad tried to cement its legacy, but instead, it all came crashing down in a heartbreaking 75-77 loss to the eventual champions. The dream ended just two points short. For most coaches, that kind of ending would sting for a while. But Hurley isn’t most coaches. The fire that fuels him doesn’t fade. As the new season approaches, he’s back–motivated, reloaded, and ready to remind everyone why he’s still the main character in college basketball. Speaking at Big East Media Day, Hurley made sure everyone in the room remembered who UConn is. As per Jaden Daly on X, the coach revealed the program’s X factor, saying, “It’s pretty hard to have rivalries when you’ve won six championships since ’99. And other programs haven’t had success like that.” Some might call that arrogance. But if you know Dan Hurley, you know it’s not. It’s pure confidence–confidence in his team, his program, and the culture he’s built in Storrs. It was Dan Hurley who revived the Huskies, leading them back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016(in 2021) after taking the helm in 2018. Since then, UConn has made five straight NCAA Tournament appearances, captured two national titles, and compiled a 165-69 record over seven seasons. Players like Stephon Castle and Donovan Clingan became lottery picks in 2024, proving the pipeline keeps producing top talent and the program keeps winning under Hurley’s leadership. And that is what makes them so special! Last season ended in disappointment, though much of it could be chalked up to losing key players to the draft. But Hurley had faced that before and still won a championship, so this year, entering his eighth season, he has the structure and depth to chase another title. His comments at media day weren’t trash talk–they were reality. The Huskies bolstered their roster with Georgia transfer Silas Demary Jr. Combine him with returning star Solo Ball and freshman Braylon Mullins, and that backcourt suddenly looks downright intimidating. Add in the steadying presence of captain Alex Karaban, and there’s every reason to believe the Huskies could be lifting another trophy this season. Hurley seems so confident in his team this season that he’s had a complete change of heart about the AP polls compared to just a year ago! Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports Dan Hurley on AP Polls The two-time back-to-back champions came into last season ranked number three in the AP Top 25 preseason poll, behind Kansas at No. 1 and Alabama at No. 2. Dan Hurley wasn’t having any of it. He openly questioned why a team coming off consecutive national titles wasn’t considered the top team. While we later saw why they weren’t number one, his frustration made sense. This year, however, Hurley has completely changed his tune. Speaking at Big East Media Day, Hurley said, “Preseason polls are pretty meaningless. I don’t even do mine… I think I told Luke [Murray] to go do that s—.” This season, the Huskies came in ranked number four in the AP Top 25 preseason poll, behind Purdue, Houston, and defending champions Florida. Perhaps Todd Golden should be asking the same question Hurley raised last season? Dan Hurley didn’t seem fazed by the rankings. Of course, the circumstances are different now. After a season that fell short of their own standards, the poll probably carries far less weight in his eyes. But his drive to win hasn’t wavered a bit. You can still see the hunger in him to chase another title. Can he lead the Huskies to a third championship this season? What do you think? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
