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NCAA, College League, USA Basketball: Creighton at Connecticut Jan 18, 2025 Storrs, Connecticut, USA UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley watches from the sidelines they take on the Creighton Bluejays at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Storrs Harry A. Gampel Pavilion Connecticut USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDavidxButlerxIIx 20250118_db2_sv3_017

via Imago
NCAA, College League, USA Basketball: Creighton at Connecticut Jan 18, 2025 Storrs, Connecticut, USA UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley watches from the sidelines they take on the Creighton Bluejays at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Storrs Harry A. Gampel Pavilion Connecticut USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDavidxButlerxIIx 20250118_db2_sv3_017
It all began after UConn’s 70-66 win over Creighton on February 11th. As usual, minutes after the game, Hurley took a walk inside the tunnel where Creighton’s fanbase waited for him for about 10 minutes. The next moment, the head coach was seen engaging in a playful yet pointed exchange.
He turned and taunted the spectator, saying, “Two rings, baldy!” while motioning to his fingers. It was just another classic Hurley moment—an example of his brash confidence. Fast forward to the Big East semifinal rematch, and suddenly, that same Creighton team flipped the script. One player particularly remembered Hurley’s earlier remarks.
The Huskies, who had previously dominated, crumbled in a frustrating 71-62 loss. UConn struggled to overcome a massive deficit, falling behind by as many as 17 points as Creighton shot a blistering 75% in the early second half. They made a late push to cut the lead to three, but the Bluejays held firm, sealing the win and sending the Huskies home earlier than expected. The game ended with a bit of drama when a late dunk by Creighton’s Jamiya Neal led to a scuffle. UConn’s Hassan Diarra shoved Neal, leading to words being exchanged between both teams. After that, both the players received technical fouls.
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After Neal’s dunk, UConn’s Diarra pushes Neal and words are exchanged. pic.twitter.com/C7upaurX6q
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) March 15, 2025
Besides the fact that it got a bit ugly in the end, the irony doesn’t get much better than this. The same team that Hurley taunted just weeks prior ended up eliminating UConn before Selection Sunday. Creighton took their redemption in the most poetic way possible—by handing UConn a loss when it mattered most. But does this setback fall squarely on Hurley’s shoulders, or was it just an off night for the Huskies?
Beyond the result, there were deeper issues at play. UConn’s defense had crucial lapses, allowing Creighton’s Jasen Green to torch them for 19 points on near-perfect shooting. The Huskies also dealt with foul trouble, with key player Alex Karaban sidelined for long stretches. However, the real problem wasn’t just the X’s and O’s—it was the mental game. Hurley’s bravado can energize his players, but when that energy turns into unnecessary distractions, it can also derail them.
This wasn’t just about a single loss. UConn, despite its championship pedigree, suddenly looks vulnerable. With the NCAA Tournament looming, they’re now dealing with another concern: player departures.
What’s your perspective on:
Did Dan Hurley's arrogance cost UConn their championship dreams against Creighton?
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Hurley’s fire or fallout? UConn’s roster faces uncertain future amid transfer concerns
Hurley’s coaching style may rally his players, but in today’s transfer-portal era, it might also push some out the door. In a brutally honest admission, Hurley revealed that at least 50% of his roster is considering entering the transfer portal—and some already know where they’re headed.
Hassan Diarra, Samson Johnson, and Alex Karaban are all expected to leave after the season because of graduation. Liam McNeeley, one of the team’s top talents, is likely to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft. But the bigger concern is the players who are still eligible to return and who are now eyeing exits. The new transfer rules allow players to switch schools without sitting out a year, meaning Hurley’s fiery leadership may no longer be enough to keep them committed.
This is where Hurley’s intensity becomes a double-edged sword. His approach has helped build a powerhouse, but if players are growing tired of the theatrics, it could lead to a mass exodus. Hurley has defended his passion time and again. He’s admitted that he’ll “say or do anything” if he thinks it will give his team an advantage—whether it’s getting in an official’s face, rallying his players, or even trash-talking a fan.

USA Today via Reuters
Dec 1, 2022; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts to an officials call with Connecticut Huskies forward Alex Karaban (11) during the first half against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
He thrives on swagger and believes his intensity fuels UConn’s success. But after the Creighton loss, after the technical fouls, after the roster uncertainty, one thing is clear: Hurley needs to be careful. As of now, the head coach’s March Madness hopes are still strong despite the setback. With a 99% probability of securing an at-large bid, according to TeamRankings.com, the Huskies are all but locked into the NCAA Tournament.
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Bracket projections still have UConn in solid shape. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi currently has them as a No. 8 seed, which aligns with their overall performance this season. The loss to Creighton may have hurt their seeding, but it won’t keep them out of the Big Dance. As Selection Sunday approaches, UConn fans should expect to see their team land as an 8 or 9-seed.
What happens next, though, is the real question. UConn could end up facing a higher-seeded powerhouse early in the tournament, making their path to a deep run much tougher. If they want to make noise in March, fixing those defensive lapses from the Creighton game will be crucial.
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Now, all eyes turn to the bracket reveal to see where the Huskies land and who they’ll have to go through to make a serious run.
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Debate
Did Dan Hurley's arrogance cost UConn their championship dreams against Creighton?