‘Don’t Start Killing the Players’: Dan Hurley Sends Fierce Message Defending UConn Players
Huskies Aim for Physical Dominance in Summer Workouts
UConn's Dan Hurley Emphasizes Strength Training and Fan Support During Crucial Off-Season Period
Following a 24-11 season that saw the Connecticut Huskies advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Coach Dan Hurley has set his sights on strengthening the team for next season. In an address to reporters on Friday, Hurley highlighted areas where physicality was a factor last year.
“We felt like at times last year we got bullied in league play," Hurley said. "You know, the older teams, in particular, really physically handled us. So, I think you can see there's some emphasis with the program with guys like Solo (Ball) and Jalen Stewart and these guys look physically better and stronger.”
The Huskies are implementing changes to their weekly practice schedule, including Friday scrimmages open to select fans. Hurley urged supporters to avoid harsh social media criticism, particularly during this developmental phase.
“Hopefully the fans don’t start killing the players that didn’t play well today on social," Hurley said. "I think that started early last summer and it just causes angst that we don't need. So, stay off the message boards and let the guys just work through the summer.”
A Legacy of Success: Coach Hurley's Impact on UConn Basketball
Since arriving at UConn in 2018, Dan Hurley has restored the Huskies to national prominence. His leadership led to consecutive NCAA titles in 2023 and 2024, marking him as only the third coach to achieve back-to-back championships in the last 50 years. The 2023-24 team set a school record with 37 wins and secured UConn’s first-ever No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. Hurley's achievements earned him the Naismith College Coach of the Year award, making him the first men's basketball coach at UConn to receive this honor.
Despite last season's third-place conference finish and an early exit in March Madness after a close loss to eventual national champion Florida, the Huskies return with much of their core intact. The 2025-26 college basketball season promises another exciting chapter for the program under Coach Hurley's guidance.