Dan Hurley stood in the back hallway of TD Garden, taking a moment to breathe deeply, a sense of relief washing over him.
Earlier that day, emotions had overwhelmed him, tears flowing as he contemplated UConn’s journey and the immense pressure of chasing back-to-back national championships in men’s college basketball, a feat not achieved since Florida in 2006 and ’07.
In the heart of Boston that Saturday night, Hurley found a moment to bask in the greatness of his program. With a remarkable 30-0 run, UConn secured a commanding 77-52 victory over Illinois, earning a ticket to their second consecutive Final Four and further etching their names in the annals of history.
“I’m someone who wears my heart on my sleeve,” Hurley shared with FOX Sports. “I laugh, I yell, and I cry. As Jim Valvano once said, that’s a full day.”
The weight of the job, the emotional investment in his players and the organization, all culminated in moments like these. Hurley reflected on the support of hundreds of UConn fans, the looming thought of coaching his son for what might be the final year, and the determination to guide his team, including new additions like Cam Spencer and Stephon Castle, to the pinnacle of success.
For Hurley, the intensity and passion he brings to the sidelines are a reflection of the deep-seated drive within. It’s this fervor that fuels his team’s performance. Despite a shaky start against Illinois, shooting just 10-for-30 in the first half, the Huskies roared back in the second half, unleashing a staggering 25 unanswered points, marking the program’s longest run in 34 years. All this, while star player Tristen Newton struggled and UConn faltered from beyond the arc.
“We know that going back-to-back isn’t the norm,” remarked sophomore Alex Karaban, underscoring the resilience and determination of the team. “But there’s nothing ordinary about anyone in this locker room.”
Indeed, UConn’s performance in the tournament has been anything but ordinary. Their remarkable +111 point differential ranks among the highest in NCAA Tournament history, a testament to their dominance on the court. They’ve redefined consistency, winning 10 straight tournament games by 13 points or more, a feat unmatched in the sport’s annals.
Hurley’s larger-than-life persona, perfectly attuned to the fervent fan base of UConn, has been instrumental in the resurgence of the program. His unapologetic demeanor, inherited from a lineage of coaching greatness, has propelled him to the forefront of college basketball.
“I just wanted to share the celebration with our fans,” Hurley explained, acknowledging the unwavering support of the UConn faithful. “We’re a program that thrives on confidence and swagger. Our fan base is as passionate as they come. It’s us against the world, and I wanted to celebrate with them.”
For Hurley, criticism and doubt only fuel the fire. He’s embraced his role as a polarizing figure in the sport, unapologetically intense and passionate, but always genuine. In his eyes, success is rooted in authenticity and hard work, qualities embodied by his team.
“We don’t cheat. We don’t lie. We’re about doing things the right way,” Hurley affirmed. “Sure, I can be abrasive at times, but when your team excels both defensively and offensively, you become virtually unstoppable.”
The emergence of players like Donovan Clingan, embodying the team’s ethos of unwavering determination, further solidifies UConn’s position at the forefront of college basketball. Clingan’s stellar performance earned him recognition as the East Region Most Outstanding Player, a testament to the team’s collective drive and tenacity.
“We thrive on challenges,” Hurley declared. “It’s the bond these players share, their unwavering confidence, that propels us forward.”
As they stand on the precipice of greatness, Hurley and his Huskies remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence. With each game, they defy expectations, driven by an insatiable hunger to prove themselves anew.
“We play every game with the intensity as if we haven’t accomplished a thing,” Hurley concluded. And it’s this relentless pursuit of perfection that sets them apart, marking their journey as one of the greatest in NCAA men’s basketball history.
