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As June unfolds, the University of Connecticut’s basketball team stands on the brink of a season filled with immense potential and pressure. With star forward Alex Karaban opting to return for his junior year, the Huskies are gearing up for a remarkable challenge: to become the first team since UCLA to win three consecutive national championships.
Coach Dan Hurley is fully aware of the historical significance of this endeavor and is determined to instill a sense of urgency and ambition in his players.
Setting the stage for greatness
In a recent meeting with his team, Hurley emphasized the unique opportunity they have to etch their names into college basketball history.
He stated, “This is where we’re at. Everyone has signed on. The season that we’re going to embark on is going to be rare, in terms of what we can accomplish to literally join those UCLA teams from a historical standpoint.” This direct approach is characteristic of Hurley, who believes in confronting challenges head-on rather than sugar-coating them.
Challenges ahead for the Huskies
Despite the excitement surrounding the upcoming season, the path to a three-peat is fraught with challenges. The last team to win back-to-back championships, Florida in 2006-07, failed to qualify for the NCAA Tournament the following year.
The closest any team has come to a three-peat in recent history was Duke in 1993, which fell short in the second round. Hurley acknowledges the weight of expectations, stating, “You can’t hide from this opportunity. That’s why I’ve coached this team so hard.
I know the challenge that lies ahead.” With only one returning starter, Karaban, and a mix of new transfers and young talent, the team must quickly gel to meet these lofty goals.
Building a competitive roster
Connecticut enters the season ranked third in the Associated Press preseason poll, a testament to the talent on the roster.
Alongside Karaban, the team features Big East Sixth Man of the Year Hassan Diarra and senior center Samson Johnson, as well as promising sophomores like Jaylin Stewart and Solo Ball. Hurley has also brought in highly regarded transfers Aidan Mahaney and Tarris Reed Jr., along with five-star recruit Liam McNeeley. Diarra believes this year’s squad possesses greater offensive capabilities than in previous seasons, which could be crucial in their quest for a third title.
Defensive challenges and high expectations
While the offensive potential is promising, the team faces significant defensive challenges after losing key players known for their defensive prowess. A college coach who has observed the Huskies noted their impressive size and athleticism but expressed concerns about their defensive cohesion. As the season approaches, the pressure mounts, with every opponent eager to deliver their best performance against the reigning champions. Larry Farmer, a member of UCLA’s championship teams, humorously remarked on the heightened target on UConn’s back, stating, “Every team that plays them has that game circled on their calendar.”
Embracing the opportunity
Entering the season with a chance to achieve a historic three-peat places UConn in a rarefied position. Only two other teams since UCLA’s dynasty have had this opportunity. Hurley is committed to ensuring his players understand the significance of their journey. Karaban encapsulated the sentiment perfectly: “We have an opportunity in front of us that we may never see again in college basketball.” As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Huskies as they strive to make history.
