Shots Fired at UConn As Dan Hurley’s Might Becomes a Laughing Stock Ahead of Baylor Clash

Dan Hurley and the UConn Huskies were expected to storm through the season, eyeing a historic three-peat. Instead, they’re stumbling at 5-3, struggling to justify their place in the AP Top 25. Add to that a slew of tough games and vocal critics questioning Hurley’s antics, and the pressure is mounting. Sports anchors at Locked on Baylor didn’t hold back either, offering sharp takes on the coach’s struggles—here’s what they had to say.

In a recent episode of Locked on Baylor, hosts Cam Stuart and Sports Anchor and Reporter Sydney Wicker weighed in on UConn’s rocky start and Dan Hurley’s polarizing sideline behavior.

Discussing his emotional reactions during games, Wicker acknowledged the importance of playing tough non-conference games to prepare for March Madness and emphasized, “You’re not going to be undefeated in basketball. Hardly ever happens. You play too many games. There’s always going to be room for error. It’s not realistic to go on a run like that and be perfect every single time. But when things don’t go your way, you have to figure it out. You are the head coach for a reason.”

Wicker, in fact, went ahead to also state that it was more of a time for reflection for the Huskies than one for dramatic reactions. “If you’re losing these close games, if you’re losing in overtime, if you’re getting kind of spanked by a Dayton team, there’s some self-evaluation you got to do,” she added referring to Coach Hurley’s antics on the sidelines which have constantly kept him in news this season.

Locked on Baylor host Cam Stuart however, wasn’t as forgiving, mockingly asking, “Could you imagine if this guy was coaching the Lakers right now?” Wicker’s deadpan “No”  during the podcast left no doubt about her skepticism regarding Hurley’s ability to manage expectations at a higher level.

The scrutiny isn’t unwarranted. UConn’s trip to the Maui Invitational resulted in losses to Memphis, Colorado, and Dayton—teams the two-time defending champions were expected to easily ace. These defeats knocked them from No. 2 to the very bottom of the AP Top 25, sparking concerns about whether Hurley’s squad can rise to the occasion this season.

The early-season losses have already dealt a significant blow to UConn’s reputation. Once ranked No. 2, the Huskies are now clinging to the No. 25 spot, with questions swirling about their ability to even be a staunch contender this year much less defend their title.

This situation led Cam Stuart to ask Wicker pointedly in his podcast, “Is this UConn team really the team that can go back and do it again (win a championship)? ” Wicker’s response? “It doesn’t look like it. I don’t know if this is even a UConn team that makes it past the Sweet 16.”

Hurley himself also acknowledged these struggles in an interview where he stated, “We have created a monster here that we are not playing up to (expectations) right now. A lot of things could be better. I think the coaching could be better, the point guard play could be better, the center play could be better. I think the shooting could be better. There are a lot of things that could be better. We will get that squared away.”

While the back-to-back reigning champions know where they are lacking, can they overcome the black clouds already? What can the fans expect from their next matchup?

Drew’s Baylor vs. Hurley’s UConn: A game with big stakes

The Huskies now face an uphill battle, starting with No. 15 Baylor in the Big 12-Big East battle. With Alex Karaban sidelined due to a concussion suffered during the Dayton game, the challenge becomes even steeper. Hurley confirmed the forward, averaging 15.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, won’t suit up for Wednesday’s game. “He’s still not feeling quite himself,” Hurley said, though he hinted at a potential return against Texas.

In Karaban’s absence, Jaylin Stewart stepped up in UConn’s last game against Maryland-Eastern Shore, scoring 16 points in his first career start. The team’s 99-45 win offered a glimmer of hope, but Hurley emphasized that defeating Baylor would require a full-team effort. “If we want to have a chance to win this game, some people are going to have to announce themselves in college basketball,” he said.

Still, the season is long, and UConn’s roster is packed with potential. Players like Liam McNeeley and Solo Ball have shown flashes of brilliance, and Hurley’s track record suggests he won’t let the ship sink without a fight.

As UConn prepares for Baylor, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Hurley and his team have a chance to silence critics, but with injuries, a bruised reputation, and mounting pressure, it won’t be easy. Whether this season becomes a redemption story or a cautionary tale is entirely up to the Huskies—and time is running out to decide.