As Dan Hurley and UConn seek a third straight NCAA championship in 2025, the coach says he could have his best team ever.
“We think, top to bottom, this could be our most talented roster,” Hurley, the Jersey City native and former Seton Hall guard, told reporters Thursday, per Hearst CT Media.
In the last week, UConn received a pledge from five-star Montverde (FL) Academy small forward Liam McNeeley and veteran Saint Mary’s transfer guard Aidan Mahaney, who figures to step in to a Cam Spencer-type role with the two-time national champs. The Huskies previously added Michigan transfer forward Tarris Reed Jr. to help offset the loss of big man Donovan Clingan, who is headed to the NBA Draft along with freshman guard Steph Castle.
“We don’t have to be as good as we were last year to win championships next year,” Hurley told reporters Thursday. “Because no one can get close to how good we were.”
The Huskies are awaiting a decision from sophomore forward Alex Karaban, who is testing the NBA Draft waters and could return to campus after he averaged 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds.
Karaban is widely projected as a second-round pick, and Hurley indicated Thursday he’s looking for a first-round guarantee. Hurley said it’s a “win-win” in terms of Karaban’s decision.
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If Karaban returns, the Huskies could field a starting five of Hassan Diarra, Mahaney, McNeeley, Karaban and Samson Johnson.
UConn will also return Jaylin Stewart, Solo Ball, Youssouf Singare and Jayden Ross from the championship team while adding four-star combo guard Ahmad Nowell and four-star power forward Isaiah Abraham
“UConn is Mike Tyson in his prime,” ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla told NJ Advance Media on Monday. “They are taking no prisoners. When all is said and done this spring, they will have a roster comparable to the last two national champions.”
Both McNeeley and Mahanay have made no secret of their desire to help win another tite.
“The coaching staff doesn’t rebuild at UConn, they reload,” Mahaney told ESPN. “There is no tip-toeing around the fact that the program is going for it all again … One game at a time, obviously, but the goals at UConn are set the moment you walk into the facilities. National champs.”
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Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Adam Zagoria is a freelance reporter who covers Seton Hall and NJ college basketball for NJ Advance Media. You may follow him on Twitter @AdamZagoria and check out his Website at ZAGSBLOG.com.