Fact Check: Did a Big 12 Failure by National Coach Prolong UConn and Dan Hurley’s NIL Exploits?

The world of college basketball has changed dramatically with the arrival of NIL deals, transforming the way teams recruit and retain players. Gone are the days when a coach’s reputation alone could guarantee top talent. Now, players have more freedom than ever to make decisions based on financial opportunities and playing time, making it harder for programs to maintain long-term success.

Despite these challenges, Dan Hurley has thrived in this new era. Over the past two seasons, he’s guided UConn to back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024—an unprecedented achievement for the program. Along the way, he also secured his first 30-win season, cementing UConn’s place as a powerhouse. Hurley’s ability to adapt and use NIL opportunities to his advantage has kept UConn at the top of the basketball world.

Meanwhile, Kansas, a Big 12 powerhouse with a storied history, has encountered difficulties adjusting to the evolving college basketball landscape. Under Bill Self, the Jayhawks have long relied on developing freshmen into star upperclassmen. However, in today’s environment, players who feel underutilized can transfer quickly, pushing programs to rethink their approach. Despite this, Self has continued to find success, leading Kansas to a national championship in 2022 and achieving his 800th career win during the 2023-24 season.

A post on X pointed out that “Meanwhile, bill self is tied with mark few for second and only behind dan hurley in tournament wins in the NIL era. (Bill sat an entire tournament due to health concerns).” While Kansas remains competitive, the struggles to adapt to the new college basketball reality have allowed Hurley’s achievements at UConn to shine even brighter.

So, has Kansas’ recent inconsistency unintentionally highlighted Hurley’s success? Both coaches have proven they can compete at the highest level, but Hurley’s mastery of the NIL landscape has set him apart. As the game continues to evolve, their contrasting paths in this new era may become a defining storyline in the legacy of two of college basketball’s most respected leaders.

Kansas Struggles: Will They Find Their Rhythm?

Kansas’ struggle to find consistency has been a key storyline this season. After facing late struggles last year due to a thin bench, head coach Bill Self opted for a new strategy, diving into the transfer portal during the offseason. Determined to stay competitive, Self shifted away from his traditional methods to adjust to the modern college basketball landscape. So far, the results have been mixed.

The rotation is starting to take shape. Zeke Mayo and Shakeel Moore have locked down starting roles, while Rylan Griffen, AJ Storr, and David Coit provide key contributions off the bench. Self has also integrated highly touted freshmen Flory Bidunga and Rakease Passmore, attempting to balance traditional player development with a transfer-heavy approach.

It remains uncertain whether this strategy will succeed. As a preseason No. 1 team, Kansas has yet to meet expectations, though the season is far from over. The team’s ability to find consistency will ultimately determine if this gamble pays off.

A notable concern this season has been Hunter Dickinson’s performance. Expected to be an All-American and a fifth-year senior in his second year at Kansas, he hasn’t quite lived up to those expectations. Last season, a 20-point, 10-rebound game seemed almost routine for him, but such performances have been rare this year.

With conference play underway, Kansas will need its key players to step up, especially Dickinson. Without his usual dominance, the Jayhawks aren’t as intimidating as they have been in previous years. How Dickinson performs in the upcoming games could be crucial for Kansas’ success this season.

In a rapidly changing college basketball landscape shaped by NIL deals, both Dan Hurley and Bill Self have faced unique challenges. While Hurley has embraced the new era to lead UConn to consecutive national titles, Kansas has struggled to adapt.