One might think after bringing two back-to-back titles, a coach would just relax on his laurels for a while. But Dan Hurley is not among them. “As a coach, you’re just always insecure about your team until late in the season.” This statement comes recently from Hurley which reflects how meticulously he approaches every new season. 

For the upcoming season, Hurley aims for a historic third title in a row. But how will the head coach drive the Huskies this time after losing some crucial players from last season? Let’s explore Hurley’s idea with his new squad.

Dan Hurley’s mantra for consecutive third title

“I just think that we need to approach this upcoming season kind of the same way that we just approached this past season,” Dan Hurley revealed in a conversation with college hoops insider Jon Rothstein. He further elaborated, “I think I do a great job of rooting out complacency, so that’s what we’re focused on.”

Replacing Stephon Castle, Donovan Clingan, and Tristen Newton—that’s the big question mark hanging over UConn’s head this season as these were the standout players last year. “It’s a similar feeling. Last summer, you’re just adjusting to a new group. You lose several players that played great basketball two years ago,” said Hurley, who seemed quite relaxed with the only aim to bring the best out of the new group which he finds full of talent. 

The 51-year-old coach might have already found his new go-to guys as Tarris Reed Jr. and Aidan Mahaney are looking like they could be the next big things for the Huskies. “Tarris (Reed) has to give us that one-two punch at center with Samson (Johnson). Unlike a lot of programs in both the NBA and college, the center position has been very important for us both offensively and defensively. He’s critical,” said Hurley. 

With last year’s standout players no longer on the roster, Hurley is looking to rising stars Aidan Mahaney and Liam McNeeley to step up and fill the void. However, he also hinted at a change, “It’s maybe a little bit of a deeper team in terms of the desire to maybe play nine or 10 players as opposed to it probably being an eight-man rotation in the past two years.” Hurley has secured the signatures of major recruits for the upcoming season. Let’s take a closer look at the new group of Hurley’s men.

Key additions to Dan Hurley’s side for the championship quest

Starting with Michigan transfer Tarris Reed Jr., who has also caught Hurley’s eye with high expectations. The former Wolverines player has been consistent, contributing to his team’s 8-24 record last season with an average of 9.0 points on 51.9% shooting. Joining him is five-star recruit Liam McNeeley from Montverde Academy, who brings impressive stats of 12.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. 

“Aidan (Mahaney) is probably one of the most important guards in the country this year in terms of what we need from him,” said Hurley as Aidan Mahaney joined his side after providing services to Saint Mary last season where he averaged 13.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 38.6%. Hurley expects Mahaney to fill the space left by last year’s star performer, Tristen Newton.

“We’re going to need minutes from all these guys,” stated Dan Hurley as he and his UConn Huskies are poised to make another run at a national championship. While replacing key contributors won’t be easy, the influx of talent and Hurley’s proven coaching acumen suggest another exciting season is on the horizon.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.