It was a hot Maui night and Dan Hurley was the guy everybody was watching. UConn head coach was already on his knees in disbelief, protesting a call in a crucial overtime game against Memphis. Hurley is a rabid, never giving up force on the sidelines, moments such as these serve as perfect examples of him. That is why Hurley’s ability to tame his intensity, though, maybe the difference for the Huskies, who will chase an elusive three-peat in the 2024–25 season.

UConn’s quest is as monumental as they come. The Huskies, with back-to-back NCAA championships in 2023 and 2024, are on the cusp of becoming the first program since John Wooden’s UCLA dynasty to win three in a row. But the path isn’t easy. 

Coming into the year ranked 11th, with a 10-3 record, UConn’s recent streak of six games won shows they are resilient. But the pressure to keep this up is palpable, with six games against top 25 opponents coming in the next three weeks. The Huskies, meanwhile, have picked themselves up after losing key players to the NBA draft. Junior forward Alex Karaban (16.5 points), who is leading the team, and freshman Liam McNeeley have answered the call. Showing UConn’s depth and versatility. But it won’t just be talent that will keep the momentum going; it will also require the players to remain laser-focused and Hurley to lead.

There is plenty of admiration and scrutiny of Dan Hurley’s intense coaching style. His interactions with referees have turned into a spectacle. Hurley’s protests in the Memphis game during the Maui Invitational cost him a technical foul at a critical juncture. Earning the Tigers four free throws. In the next game against Colorado, Hurley had to be restrained by his coaching staff after a no call with seconds to go. YouTube channel Field of 68 commentator’s take on these incidents summed up the situation: “Even he admitted it two years ago.” Talking about Harley. “When he toned it down, he was a better basketball coach, and that’s when they started their run that culminated in their first national title.” They added.

Hurley has been relentless in his preparation for the historic three-peat. One known for his high standards, he has cranked up team practices and played motivational videos. Including clips of the Chicago Bulls’ three-peat. Meanwhile, there have been words of encouragement for players like Alex Karaban to embrace a more prominent leadership role, with newcomers being welcomed readily to plug the holes that departed stars have left behind.

But Hurley’s fiery style remains a double-edged sword. In the past, his decision to ease up on officials has had measurable results. Bringing down the number of technical fouls and improving team performance. UConn is lining up some tough contests in the coming weeks, and revisiting this approach could be important.

A historic opportunity for Dan Hurley

Only legendary UCLA teams of the 1960s and 1970s had won three consecutive NCAA championships. Since then, just seven programs have pulled off back-to-back titles, the most recent being Florida in 2006 and 2007. UConn’s quest for a three-peat has been historic in itself. No program in college basketball has come as close and no matter the era.

However, the challenges continue, and UConn’s strength is undeniable. Their potential was on display on the 2024 NCAA Tournament trail where they won by an average of 23.3 points. This season, the team has been blessed with standout players like Karaban and McNeeley. While Hurley has continued to train them to a razor edge.

But that road is nowhere near easy. The Huskies’ demanding schedule and heavy expectations could be tough on them. To maintain the edge they will need a bit of Hurley’s intensity and strategic nerve. And as UConn continues its historic quest, Dan Hurley will continue to be in the spotlight.

While his passion and leadership have got the team this far, he can harness that intensity in a constructive way that could define whether they go on and whether they win it. But the Huskies’ journey to a three-peat will be one of the most compelling storylines in college basketball history.