GLENDALE, Ariz. — Dan Hurley and the UConn Huskies demonstrated that even in the age of NIL and widespread player transfers, it’s possible to construct a program capable of winning consecutive national titles.
Just a few minutes after taking down the nets on Monday night, the coach was already thinking about winning a third title.
“We’re going to uphold a championship culture,” Hurley said. “We’re bringing in some very talented high school freshmen. Our returning players, through player development, will make significant progress. We’ll strategically add through the portal.
“I don’t think that we’re going anywhere.”
Hurley’s confidence is understandable considering the Huskies did basically the same thing before this season. They lost their top scorers from the 2023 championship team — Adama Sanogo and Jordan Hawkins — before reloading with players like Cam Spencer and Stephon Castle who helped them beat Purdue 75-60 in the title game of the NCAA Tournament on Monday night.
Another major change will be required.
Spencer and Tristen Newton are out of college eligibility, while Donovan Clingan and Castle are potential lottery picks in the NBA draft. Hurley already had the potential scenarios running through his head.
“We’ll enjoy this for a couple days,” Hurley mentioned. “On the flight home tomorrow, we’ll start discussing what the roster’s going to look like. Obviously we graduate some players. We’re going to lose a couple potentially to the NBA early entry.”
Hurley, 51, will be a popular choice on the coaching market over the next few weeks, particularly if the Kentucky job becomes available as expected. John Calipari is reportedly in talks with Arkansas to become their next coach, which would lead to a high-profile vacancy.
But Hurley didn’t sound like a man who wanted to load up a moving truck anytime soon.
“Yeah, yeah, I don’t think that’s a concern,” Hurley said laughing. “My wife, you should have her answer that.”
At this point, it’s understandable why Hurley is comfortable in Storrs. He was rewarded after last year’s title with a $32.1 million, six-year deal that could keep him on campus through 2029.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if another raise is in the near future.
Despite Hurley’s strong personality, his players don’t seem to mind. He’s been able to attract five-star recruits and also has a talent for finding mid-major transfers who can perform at an elite level.
Castle, a five-star talent who could have played just about anywhere in the country, said one of the reasons he chose UConn is because he wanted to learn from Hurley’s intensity.
Spencer spent his initial three seasons at Loyola (Maryland) before transferring to Rutgers last season.
With one year of eligibility left, Hurley encouraged Spencer to join UConn, and it was a perfect match.
“We said ‘Cam, if you don’t join us, we’re a top 10, top 15 team. If you do join us, we could go back-to-back,’” Hurley stated.
Hurley became part of an elite group of coaches on Monday, becoming the first coach to lead a school to consecutive titles since Billy Donovan achieved the feat in 2006 and 2007. Others who have done it — UCLA’s John Wooden and Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski — are some of the sport’s biggest icons.
But Hurley stated that he is still trying to be as successful as some of his mentors, especially his father. Bob Hurley Sr. achieved over 24 state championships at St. Anthony High School in Jersey City, New Jersey, and helped many Division I college players. He was present at State Farm Stadium on Monday night to witness his son secure another college title.
“Even after winning consecutive titles, I still see myself as a less impressive version of him,” Hurley mentioned.
He then smiled.
“Slightly inferior,” he continued. “I'm improving and aiming to surpass him.”
