The pursuit is the best part of Dan Hurley’s mission to lead UConn to a historic three-peat. STORRS, Conn. – Alex Karaban exited UConn’s film room and stepped into the lobby of the Werth Basketball Center, his face illuminated by a broad smile. Following an extensive practice and video session with head coach Dan Hurley, he and his teammates had meticulously reviewed every aspect of the 2024-25 roster.
The junior forward settled in front of a backdrop showcasing clipped nylon netting and a display of gold and wooden NCAA championship trophies, representing the six national titles the Huskies have secured since 1999. Flanked by the gleaming Waterford Crystal NABC National Championship Trophies from the program’s last two victories, Karaban, despite his integral role in those triumphs, appeared fixated on something even greater.
“I want to chase history,” Karaban expressed, reflecting on his decision to return to school after testing the NBA Draft waters this offseason. “I want to be part of something that hasn’t happened since the Wooden era and, on a personal level, to be among the winningest college players of all time.”
In a program that has celebrated 12 NCAA Tournament victories by an astounding 260 points, one has to wonder: how much further can they go?
Karaban and the Huskies are determined to answer that question as they aim for an achievement that only John Wooden and his legendary UCLA teams have attained: winning three consecutive national championships. With the 2024-25 season kicking off Wednesday night against Sacred Heart, Karaban’s ambition is clearly shared among his teammates.
The connection between Hurley and his players is palpable throughout UConn’s facility. Larger-than-life Fathead portraits of stars like Adama Sanogo, Andre Jackson, Jordan Hawkins, Tristen Newton, Donovan Clingan, Cam Spencer, and Stephon Castle adorn the walls, symbolizing the collective effort that has reestablished the program as a powerhouse in college basketball.
Karaban’s drive for greatness mirrors that of head coach Hurley, who boasts a 141-58 record since taking the helm at UConn in 2018. As the son of a four-time national champion and 26-time state champion, Dan’s focus since returning from Phoenix after the second consecutive national championship has been on joining the ranks of Wooden, aside from a brief contemplation of an NBA opportunity with the Los Angeles Lakers.
During a preseason interview with FOX Sports, it became evident that Hurley is firmly rooted in Storrs, with no inclination to pursue any path other than the one he has carved out at UConn. Being part of a family dedicated to achieving the highest level of success means that the work is relentless, and the desire to ascend and ultimately cut down the nets remains strong. Hurley embraces the attention and any skepticism directed at him or his cherished program.
Simply put, Hurley and UConn are a seamless fit. The 51-year-old coach is wired for competition every hour of every day, consistently striving to add to the trophy collection at a university with lofty expectations and a fan base that demands excellence, supported by a roster that delivers.
“It’s about evolving, adapting, and enhancing toughness. It’s about refining a style of basketball that is unbeatable,” Hurley stated, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement.
Perfection is often viewed as an intimidating concept, yet UConn has come remarkably close to achieving it in the past two NCAA Tournaments.
The quest for that perfection ignited on March 17, 2022, when the Huskies faced a shocking defeat against 12-seed New Mexico State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. This loss prompted Hurley to scrutinize every aspect of his program. He sought advice from coaching legends like Jay Wright and Jim Calhoun, determined not just to improve but to emerge as the premier program in college basketball.
“For us, leading the climb back to the top is special for everyone,” Hurley remarked. “When you reach the pinnacle of the sport as we did from 1999 to 2014, winning four championships, and then experience a downturn, the journey back to prominence is incredibly rewarding. The effort, struggles, and learning to create a winning formula with the right staff and players are what make it worthwhile.”
“Winning big impacts lives,” he added, recognizing the transformative power of success. “When you achieve greatness, it opens doors for everyone involved – players and coaches alike. The opportunities that arise from being the best in the sport are far more gratifying than when I left Buffalo after that loss to New Mexico State, uncertain about our future.”
“It all boils down to consistent effort, accountability, and meticulous attention to detail,” Johnson shared with FOX Sports. “In every practice, we challenge each other fiercely. This culture we’ve built emphasizes toughness, unity, and unwavering effort.”
These principles have been pivotal for Hurley and his coaching staff as they prepare for the upcoming season.
“It all started on the flight back from Phoenix after the championship win,” Hurley recounted. “That long journey back to Connecticut had me thinking about the future. We knew we would lose Steph (Castle) and Donovan (Clingan), so my focus shifted to what we needed to do in the transfer portal and how to adapt our approach moving forward.”
In an era filled with NIL bidding wars and uncertainties surrounding college basketball rosters, UConn stands apart.
“The new players we’ve brought in are inspired by our back-to-back championship sweatshirts and banners; they crave that title as if it were essential to breathe,” Hurley noted. “In a peculiar way, it feels like a perfect storm.”
Mahaney, who averaged 13.9 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game while shooting 39% last season, made a significant splash in the transfer portal this offseason. With numerous elite programs vying for his talents, Mahaney’s reasoning for joining the Huskies exemplifies the program’s ethos.
“I wanted to elevate my game both on and off the court, and for that, I needed to be challenged,” Mahaney stated. “Who better to guide me than Coach Hurley? He has a proven track record and has led the best program in all of sports for the past two years. I feel privileged and honored to be here.”
Mahaney recognized the significance of the program during his visit to UConn, with his father Mark admitting to feeling nervous throughout the day in Storrs. While UConn was interested in Mahaney, he also aimed to impress them.
“I was thrilled,” Mahaney recalled. “I thought, ‘Is this really happening? Is this real life?’ That sense of anticipation confirmed that this was where I needed to be. This is the pivotal step in my career, one I was destined to take. I strive to embody the UConn culture and commit to working hard every day.”
Ranked No. 3 in the AP Preseason Top 25 Poll, UConn is once again a formidable title contender this season. While there are challenges to address, Hurley is relying on three key returnees to set the tone.
So, how does a program with a remarkable 68-11 record over the past two seasons and back-to-back national championships fend off complacency?
The place known as “The Basketball Capital of the World” has no time for complacency.
“First and foremost, we have our own trophies,” Hurley stated when reflecting on his journey at UConn. “We’ve earned our own trophies. Our jerseys are finally hanging up here – the All-American accolades, the lottery picks, the championship banners, and the trophies – we have our own achievements. For a while, we felt like guests. Now, we feel at home and that we truly belong.”
“There was a sense of impostor syndrome until we contributed to the legacy and tradition of this program. The evolution of our culture from its previous state to now is remarkable. I believe we have one of the best cultures in sports, demonstrated by our teamwork, player development, and the quality of our on-court performance.”
“We are all about winning and championships, and the opportunities that arise from that success for our players and coaches are invaluable.”
Regarding the pursuit of Wooden, Hurley is open about his desire to join such elite ranks. He aspires for his name to be mentioned alongside the man he reveres as the greatest of all time.
“Growing up as a coach’s son, I absorbed many lessons and sayings from Wooden, the most revered coach in our sport,” Hurley shared. “To think that not long ago, I was a high school coach uncertain of my collegiate coaching future, and now I stand on the brink of achieving something only he has accomplished is incredible. We must recognize our current position and the significance of this season as we tackle the challenges ahead.”
After losing four of its five starters from last year’s national championship team to the NBA, including two who were selected in the top seven of the draft, the prospect of remaining at the pinnacle of the Big East and college basketball may seem overwhelming. However, Hurley has perfected a system capable of contending for titles year after year, and he possesses the talent that, if harmoniously integrated, can lead them to victory once more.
Will there be challenges? Certainly. But Hurley’s response to a question about the path to March encapsulates why he stands as a leading figure in college basketball today.
“You receive reminders of the titles, but what you learn about yourself after winning a few times is that you cherish the work. You relish the chase.”
“The pursuit is the most rewarding part of it all… well, not the most rewarding. Winning brings a brief moment of joy. But overall, the chase is what truly matters.”
This relentless pursuit of a historic three-peat, one of the most challenging feats not only in college basketball but across all sports, is set to commence.
