Rather than riding last year’s rather surprising national championship as a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament, UConn Huskies coach Dan Hurley challenged his players to be even better this season. They certainly answered the bell, and are peaking at the perfect time to pull off the first repeat since Florida back in 2007.
Before that Gators run under the guidance of Billy Donovan, Mike Krzyzewski’s peak at Duke in ’91 and ’92 was a back-to-back champion. Who set the standard before those fine gents, though? John Wooden and his unparalleled dynasty at UCLA. That’s the type of company Hurley has the chance to join, so you could forgive him for letting his emotions bubble up ahead of Saturday’s Elite Eight matchup against Illinois.
The Illini had won seven straight coming in. They hung tough for about a half. Then, Hurley’s squad turned on the jets and never looked back on a devastating 30-0 run that laid waste to their hapless adversary.
Hurley explained afterwards how he was “crying all day” at the thought of the Huskies’ run at a repeat ending, which would mean he wouldn’t coach his son, Andrew, any longer as well.
Turns out, any suspense about UConn advancing to its second straight Final Four was sucked out of the arena not long after halftime. Nevertheless, you have to love Hurley for being that invested in his team and his players. He seems like such a hardo who demands a championship standard that his players evidently respond to, yet you can tell he also connects with them on a deeply personal level. Look no further than this quote from sophomore forward Alex Karaban.
The culture that Hurley is establishing and that his players are 100% buying into is inspiring to witness. Look at how his players salute him from the locker room even when he’s not around!
With just one loss to their name since December 20 of last year, these feisty Huskies are obliterating the Big Dance competition. In fact, amid their current 11-game winning streak, UConn has an average margin of victory of about 21.3 points. It ain’t even been close. You gotta love how Hurley embraces the greater UConn community, too.
And oh by the way, Hurley isn’t above using bulletin board material as motivational fuel, either — even when it comes from somebody on the opposing side he clearly respects.
This is the type of competitive fire you love to see amid the madness of March. How can you not love this guy?
Immaculate vibes cutting down the nets. I swear Dan Hurley can do no wrong.
Check me if I’m tripping on this one, but if you’ve ever seen a better college basketball postgame interview than this one with Hurley, kindly point me in that direction. Doesn’t get much sweeter than this.
Next up for UConn is Alabama, who’s playing in its first Final Four. Pretty sure the Huskies got this — all due respect to the Crimson Tide. Come on, y’all. You have your powerhouse football program. Is that not enough!? You gotta be this good at hooping, too? Damn.
