If UConn Huskies are ever in need of a reality check, they needn’t look farther than their head coach. After their loss to St. John’s, he’d went around the room, telling each of his players they did not deserve to win. “We’re getting what we f—ing deserve,” he snapped. But that sort of criticism, Dan Hurley is limiting to himself. Any external discouragement? You bet the HC is shutting it down. Especially when he has made clear he is aware of the impact fans’ actions and energy can have on players.

The 2024-25 season hasn’t been one the Huskies hoped for. Currently 22-9, they find themselves vying for an 8th seed in the NCAA Tournament. Well, for the fans in the Basketball Capital of the World, that is a sting too deep, prompting some harsh takes. But Dan Hurley is having none of it.

“We need them to play well for us, and if you’re sh***ing on them on Twitter, you’re not helping them play well for us. You’re just being an idiot,” the head coach asserted as per UConn writer Sam Calhoun.

The Storrs faithful have proven they do not take their title lightly, rallying behind their basketball teams for celebrations and criticisms. You remember the XL Center did not take a second to light up back in 2022 when Dan Hurley had a bit with a ref. The head coach had only turned, hands lifted halfway, when the crowd got its cue. Hurley is appreciative of the energy, but the negative side of it? For a team struggling to find its rhythm, that’s a burden avoidable.

Despite an inconsistent form, Alex Karaban & Co. has managed to end their regular season run on a winning note with a 4-game streak. The redshirt junior stepped up with a double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds), while Solo Ball led with 17 points, as the Huskies avenged their humiliating defeat with a squaring 81-50 win over Seton Hall. That means a third seed entry into the Big East Tournament for UConn, and cue for the fans to step on the right side. After all, Hurley has proven he’s well-versed in the power of UConn Nation when they’re behind the team.

“We need the XL Center to be in our favor tomorrow, and loud, and pick the team up that’s given them a lot the last couple of years,” he had said as Huskies prepared to face Villanova last month.

From mid-game shout-outs to rallying cries, Hurley has leaned on the unwavering support of the UConn faithful to help push his players through tough moments. That might as well be the secret sauce to many of the program’s wins —when the crowd gets loud, so do the Huskies.

While UConn has the talent to go on a run, inconsistency has plagued them all season. Losing key players, including 4 NBA draft picks has made things difficult. Despite the hurdles, Hurley remains optimistic about the team’s potential, especially heading into the Big East Tournament, where the Huskies have an opportunity to turn things around.

Dan Hurley: UConn’s March To Prove The Doubters Wrong

Still, this is March. UConn has history on its side. When it’s win-or-go-home, this program has delivered time and time again. They know what it takes to cut down nets. And with Hurley at the helm, fire still in his eyes, and a locker room full of talent, the Huskies are still a team to beat.

Despite the struggles and constant criticism, Hurley is adamant that UConn still has what it takes to perform when it matters most. “Our mindset is that we have as good a chance as anyone to win the Big East Tournament,” he declared. This focus on the present is what keeps Hurley and his players grounded. Hurley knows that shutting out the outside noise and fixing the issues on the court will be key to making a deep run in March.

The Huskies have proven they can compete with the best. They’ve beaten top teams like Baylor, Texas, and Gonzaga, showing their potential. But their defensive struggles—ranked just 109th in adjusted efficiency—have been their downfall. Hurley knows the team needs to tighten up defensively to make a real run.

As UConn heads into the Big East Tournament, Hurley is challenging the fans to show support in the way they know best—by having the team’s back. This tournament will be the test of whether the Huskies can rise to the occasion, silence the doubters, and show that they are still a force to be reckoned with. Hurley’s message to UConn Nation is clear: “Ride with us or get out of the way.”