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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.