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via Imago
Dec 4, 2024; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts after a three point basket by guard Aidan Mahaney (20) as they take on the Baylor Bears at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
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via Imago
Dec 4, 2024; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts after a three point basket by guard Aidan Mahaney (20) as they take on the Baylor Bears at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Dan Hurley grew up on the Big East competition of the 80s and 90s. He closely followed the intensity of the Celtics-Lakers. So when he was transitioning to a coach himself, he knew of one approach to carry with him. “Men competed life or death to win games. It was total desperation, and that’s how I coach,” he had said. Sure, it led him to two consecutive championships, but doesn’t look like the head coach is all proud of his tactics. Regardless, it isn’t keeping his players away.
As the UConn Huskies sought redemption in their game against Villanova, there were two familiar names in the stands — Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer. Memories seemed to have flooded back for Hurley who spoke about his former Huskies post-game.
“I apologized to Tristen [Newton] multiple times, just how much of an a—hole I was to him,” he admitted.
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Newton and Spencer were instrumental in UConn’s back-to-back championships, but their pro careers have taken different paths. Spencer has been bouncing between the NBA and G League, even dropping 51 points in a G League game. Newton, after being drafted by the Pacers and later waived, landed on a two-way deal with the Timberwolves.
Hurley’s coaching style is intense, but it clearly worked.
Dan Hurley: “I apologized to Tristen [Newton] multiple times, just how much of an a—hole I was to him.”
— Sam Calhoun (@_samcalhoun) February 19, 2025
“I’m not that big of a social guy. Me and Coach Hurley, we’re opposite personalities. That’s really what brought me in, because I couldn’t have anyone like me let me be casual and just be comfortable,” Newton admitted last year. That relentless push proved transformative, as the star guard evolved from a role player in 2022-23 to UConn’s leading scorer and playmaker in 2023-24.
Newton thrived under him, averaging 15.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in his senior year. The coach’s tough-love approach helped mold Newton into a national champion, but now, looking back, Hurley admitted he might have pushed the star guard a little too hard. But it turned out for the best and his players seem aware of it. For Hurley reveals the former Huskies keep visiting him and the team during practice.
“He was around to practice yesterday. DC’s been around the last couple of days. Cam’s been around multiple times,” the HC added. Well, it was a good game to be back around for.
Dan Hurley’s Huskies rally past Villanova
The UConn Huskies were in trouble at halftime. Down 34-26 to Villanova, the defending champs needed a spark. Enter Liam McNeeley. The star freshman dropped 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds, leading UConn to a gritty 66-59 win at the XL Center on Tuesday night.
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Wooga Poplar, the Wildcats senior guard, was unstoppable early, finishing with 19 points and six rebounds. But the second half was a different story. UConn’s defense locked in, holding Villanova to just 35.2% shooting. The Huskies forced nine turnovers and outscored the Wildcats 40-25. McNeeley was the star, but he wasn’t alone. Solo Ball and Tarris Reed Jr. each added 13 points, providing the balance Hurley’s team needed.
It wasn’t pretty. UConn shot just 21.1% from three, but they made up for it with hustle and heart. Hurley’s halftime adjustments were key. “We just had to play harder,” McNeeley said after the game. “Coach Hurley got us fired up, and we came out with energy.”
The win keeps UConn in a strong position for the Big East tournament at 10-5. Villanova, now 8-8, is on the outside looking in.
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Next up, the Huskies face a tough road test against No. 10 St. John’s on Sunday. Dan Hurley is hoping the team finishes strong and with McNeeley emerging as a star and veterans like Ball and Reed stepping up, UConn is proving they’re still the team to beat.
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Is Dan Hurley's coaching style too harsh, or is it exactly what players need to succeed?
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