After such a turbulent season, we all seem to forget that Dan Hurley is on the verge of a three-peat. The UConn head coach has been absolutely fantastic over the last couple of years, putting his basketball excellence and genius on display. However, the Big East didn’t make it easy for Hurley and his squad. He went through a couple of ups and downs, but his Huskies are finally where they belong—in the NCAA Tournament.
The Huskies pulled off a confident victory against Oklahoma, a team that hasn’t been invited to the Big Dance for the last few years. However, their next matchup is not going to be so easy. Florida is an amazing team, and Todd Golden has been brilliant this year. To most, it might seem like an easy win for the Gators. No one banks on the eighth seed to triumph over the first seed, but UConn isn’t a normal eighth seed.
On The Field of 68: After Dark podcast, show hosts Jeff Goodman, Rob Dauster, Matt McCall and Jerel McNeal discussed the high-voltage matchup. Florida is no doubt a better team in terms of spacing and rhythm, but according to the analysts, Dan Hurley cannot be counted out! “Is Florida a better team? Yes. But Danny Hurley’s gonna use that in his next 48 hours in the film room, in the film sessions.” McCall said, before pointing out how talented Hurley’s roster actually is.
UConn has a relatively stacked roster. Liam McNeeley and Alex Karaban are a brilliant frontcourt, and Solo Ball has been great at facilitating for the Huskies. Compared to Florida? The talent is overwhelming. Matt McCall had an excellent point to bring up about the Huskies roster.
“Are they as talented as they have been the last two years? No. But they still have talent, they still have NBA players on that team.” He said. According to Bleacher Report‘s latest 2025 mock draft, McNeeley is supposed to be a lottery pick this year. “When you look at Florida, is there an NBA player on that team? Is there a guy that you’re saying that this guy’s a lock to play in the NBA?” No doubt, the Gators have NBA level talent too, but not at the same level. Alex Condon and Walter Clayton Jr. are projected to go in the second round.
Even though Florida has a distinct advantage over the reigning champs in this matchup, Dan Hurley won’t back down without a fight! What does the head coach have to say about the upcoming game? Let’s find out.
“Honor and Fighting”: Dan Hurley issues challenge to Florida ahead of second-round matchup
March Madness is in full swing, and the Huskies are all ready to face Florida on Sunday. It’s gonna be a doozy! UConn hasn’t been in the best of forms this season, but they do have a title to defend. Dan Hurley, however, recognises the greatness in the team that he’ll have to face in the Round of 32.
Hurley talked about how the Gators reminded him of his championship teams at UConn. They have dominating big men who control the glass on both ends of the court, their shooting just doesn’t seem to end, and their intent is to crush whoever’s in front of them. Not only that, the two teams have something in common—they’ve both been back-to-back national champions in recent history!
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
“There’s a lot of honor in us being able to face the last team that went back to back.” Dan Hurley said in his postgame interview, recognizing Florida and Todd Golden’s brilliance. “And I think there’s honor and fighting in getting to the round of 32 and making someone put you down in this tournament to end this run we’ve been on.”
However, the Huskies head coach isn’t giving up either. He emphasized his last two titles, and the chance for a third consecutive National title. Further, he expressed how they are not ones to back down without a fight.
No doubt, UConn vs Florida will be quite an interesting game. A victory would mean the world for Dan Hurley and his crew, as it would put them on the championship path. However, nothing is for certain in March! What do you think? Can Dan Hurley and his Huskies beat the one seed? Or will they fall in the second-round of March Madness? Stay tuned for the action!
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