“Weeks, not days,” was the prognosis by Dan Hurley after Liam McNeeley limped off the court during UConn’s 81-68 victory. That left fans and analysts alike wondering how the team would cope. It was clearly a significant blow for the Huskies, who had been relying on the freshman forward this season. However, as one door closed, another seemed to open for UConn. Maybe they’ll just thrive without their star player as he concentrates on his recovery.

UConn’s recent games brought their mettle to the test. Despite a valiant second-half effort, cracks in their performance were exposed in a narrow 68–66 loss to Villanova. The team also got a tight win over Providence that highlighted the difficulties without McNeeley. But these games have also shown the hardy spirit that Hurley has bred among his players.

Talking about Uconn’s performance against Villanova, Rob Dauster noted on Field of 68: After Dark, “I came out of this thinking, especially the last two games without Liam McNeeley, to me long-term getting Jaylin Stewart the minutes and the reps, and a chance to be able to play 32 minutes in a game like this in a role like that, and have that success and confidence.” In his expanded role, Jaylin Stewart has shown some flashes of brilliance in his ability to fill McNeeley’s shoes.

Dauster continued “And then Aidan Mahaney, on Sunday against Providence, won them that game in the second half. If they’re going to make a run in the tournament, they need those two dudes to play at this level. And being able to get them those opportunities and kind of force-feed them minutes, you know, maybe isn’t the worst thing in the world if McNeeley is going to end up coming back.”

Aidan Mahaney has also answered the call, providing big performances such as his second-half heroics against Providence. In 20 minutes of floor time, the junior guard added 15 points on an incredible 80% field goal shooting, helping the Storrs program to their eighth consecutive win.

The sudden weight placed on players like Stewart (5.5 ppg and 2.6 RPG) and Mahaney has been an invaluable experience and fortified UConn’s roster for what is to come. Meanwhile, defensively, players like Jayden Ross have stepped up to further prove Hurley’s “next man up” mentality.

Coach Dan Hurley has always brought up resilience and adaptability as basic tenets of his leadership. He has created a collective responsibility philosophy that has kept the Huskies competitive even with all that adversity. Also, it has been a key ethos as they wait for the return of McNeeley.

What will Dan Hurley’s UConn look like when McNeeley returns?

Everyone is anticipating Liam McNeeley’s eventual return. Randolph Childress summed it up succinctly on Field of 68: After Dark: “You know he’s going to come back, and you know what he’s going to do when he comes back. It just adds another offensive weapon. I think Mahaney’s production from the bench would be a key for him—his ability to knock down shots. If he can ever live up to the expectations that they have for him coming in, and if he settles into that role, then UConn can be UConn again.”

With Mahaney’s strength off the bench, his reintegration into the lineup seems to only add to UConn’s offensive depth.

McNeeley’s return could spark another offensive spark for the Huskies, and the experience Stewart, Mahaney, and Ross gained from his absence will give depth. This UConn roster, fully operational, is tantalizing to think about as it pursues a historic three-peat in the NCAA championships.

UConn has become a force in college basketball under Dan Hurley’s leadership. The Huskies, after their back-to-back national title wins, are chasing a third straight championship, last done by UCLA in the 1970s. And it has been Hurley’s unending quest for perfection, and his ability to adjust under trying circumstances, that have been so crucial to UConn’s longevity.

All eyes will however be on the Huskies as the season progresses. The emergence of new stars, and especially the return of Liam McNeeley eventually, will make UConn a team to watch. What do you think? Can the Huskies make it three?