GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Dan Hurley and the UConn Huskies proved that even in the age of NIL and rampant player transfers, it’s possible to build a program capable of winning back-to-back national titles.
A few minutes after cutting down the nets on Monday night, the coach was already thinking about a three-peat.
“We’re going to maintain a championship culture,” Hurley said. “We’re bringing in some very talented high school freshmen. Our returning players, through player development, will take a big jump. 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 overhaul will be needed.
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 said. “On the flight home tomorrow, we’ll start talking about 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 hot item on the coaching market over the next few weeks, particularly if the Kentucky job comes open 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 hard-charging personality, his players don’t seem to mind. He’s been able to attract five-star recruits and also has a knack for finding mid-major transfers who can play 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 picked UConn is because he wanted to learn from Hurley’s intensity.
