With an invisible opponent on its back, Dan Hurley’s UConn has a ghost to chase on Friday against No. 12 St. John’s. On December 2023, Huskies had a shocking 75-60 defeat to Seton Hall. They looked powerless against a dynamic opposing guard who recorded 23 points and 8 steals. That performance now casts a large shadow over UConn as it plays a Red Storm team with the conference’s most explosive backcourt duo. Of course, the real question now on everyone’s mind is whether or not UConn will have any ghosts from that Seton Hall game staring them in the face? 

Dan Hurley has three huge challenges going forward. First, their defense is slipping. Last season’s championship defense is a thing of the past as the Huskies now rank 119th in defensive efficiency. But there is the backcourt mismatch to deal with first, as St. John’s guards have been scoring in bunches with 34.1 points and 6.8 steals per game in Big East play.

Finally, UConn’s second half struggles. After halftime, they’ve been outscored 21 points in their last three games against ranked teams. That’s a bad sign for their chances against a team like St. John’s.

Rob Dauster from The Field of 68 Podcast summed up the fears that have fans worried. “I think the biggest question mark I have with this matchup is, who’s going to guard Kadary Richmond, who has looked like one of the best players in the sport the last two weeks? He has, in the past, absolutely torched UConn. Also, who is going to guard RJ Luis, who has been an All-American caliber player and is arguably the biggest player of the year as of today?” Not only speculation, but it is based in real history.

UConn’s defense was no match for Richmond back in 2023. He scored 18 points and inevitably picked Huskies apart, and now he’s back, more dangerous than ever.

The Red Storm don’t make things any easier. They’ve got a backcourt that’s almost identical to what UConn struggled with in that Seton Hall loss. Richmond’s 6’6″ frame and RJ Luis’ athletic 6’7″ build give St. John’s an enormous advantage in the backcourt. The size difference could be a problem for UConn’s smaller guards — especially prior problems against bigger matchups.

But it’s not all bad news. However, with Solo Ball’s recent rise, there is still hope for the Huskies. Over the past 10 games, he’s averaged 17.2 points per game, offering a spark UConn desperately needs. His scoring could be just what they need to counter St. John’s aggressive style of play. However, even with Ball’s improvements, UConn’s defense will have to step up if they want to have a shot at coming out on top.

Interestingly, UConn’s game plan has gained a new dimension with the anticipated return of freshman forward Liam McNeeley. 

Dan Hurley confirmed the forward will be back at “full strength” after he was sidelined since Jan. 1 with a high ankle sprain. His return could provide UConn a line changer with some much needed balance.

Will Mcneeley’s return impact Dan Hurley’s game plan?

McNeeley is more than just a big name; he was playing at a high level before the injury. He ranks third on the team in scoring with 13.6 points per game and second in rebounding with 5.8 boards per game.

In addition, his shooting was fire as 37.9% from three. Something that could come in handy against St. John’s defense, which ranks fourth in Big East steals. McNeeley, at 6’7″, also gives UConn an edge, as he provides the Huskies a much needed matchup against St. John’s big backcourt players.

While McNeeley’s return might not solve all of Dan Hurley’s problems, it does bring back a championship-caliber potential. If he can help contain Richmond and create space on the floor for guys like Solo Ball and Andre Jackson, the Huskies could finally flip the script on their 0-3 record against top-15 teams this season. As Hurley said, “When Liam was on the court, we were playing to a top-12 level.”

The stakes couldn’t be higher on Friday. UConn’s hopes for a big win against St. John’s might rest on whether McNeeley can shake off the rust of a month-long injury layoff and prove he’s got the potential of a future NBA lottery pick. It’s a big gamble for Dan Hurley and the Huskies. But at this point, it might just be their best shot at turning their season around.