Hurley Worry

[Loosey101_rivals395464]

This whole situation with Hurley is interesting and I’d love to get everyone’s thoughts.

Part of me says - no way they get a three peat because Vegas has too much to lose. Hell, no one has had a three peat since UCLA in the 60s.

BUT

The conspiracy part of me worries like hell. UConn came out of virtually nowhere in the early 2000s and within 24 years has 6 championships. UConn just so happens to be located exceptionally close to ESPN.

Oh BTW, Woj and Hurley are best friends in real life and SO many at ESPN love the guy.

Look, Hurley has earned his right to puff his chest, but as a UK fan, I get mighty worried given how close they are to us in Ships now. I find the parallels with his connections up north really interesting.

 

[SemperFiCat]

It's just like Florida. A good coach caught a great group of players with good chemistry. A three peat would take an unusual amount of luck, plus everything else. They'll have a lot of distractions and a big target. I'd take the field, easily, if I had to bet.

 

[bballcat4]

I’ll sell you a tinfoil hat if you believe ESPN is reason UConn is winning championships!

 

[sk73]

This whole situation with Hurley is interesting and I’d love to get everyone’s thoughts.

Part of me says - no way they get a three peat because Vegas has too much to lose. Hell, no one has had a three peat since UCLA in the 60s.

BUT

The conspiracy part of me worries like hell. UConn came out of virtually nowhere in the early 2000s and within 24 years has 6 championships. UConn just so happens to be located exceptionally close to ESPN.

Oh BTW, Woj and Hurley are best friends in real life and SO many at ESPN love the guy.

Look, Hurley has earned his right to puff his chest, but as a UK fan, I get mighty worried given how close they are to us in Ships now. I find the parallels with his connections up north really interesting.

You may be right about connections and friendships at ESPN but, Uconn has had the best team for the last two years. It wasn't even close.

 

[Kybluedude]

Hurley is ahead of the game. Best coach in college ball. Everyone is looking up and chasing him.

 

[Skyguyb27]

This whole situation with Hurley is interesting and I’d love to get everyone’s thoughts.

Part of me says - no way they get a three peat because Vegas has too much to lose. Hell, no one has had a three peat since UCLA in the 60s.

BUT

The conspiracy part of me worries like hell. UConn came out of virtually nowhere in the early 2000s and within 24 years has 6 championships. UConn just so happens to be located exceptionally close to ESPN.

Oh BTW, Woj and Hurley are best friends in real life and SO many at ESPN love the guy.

Look, Hurley has earned his right to puff his chest, but as a UK fan, I get mighty worried given how close they are to us in Ships now. I find the parallels with his connections up north really interesting.

I wouldn’t call it a ship but I rented a houseboat once. Was really fun week with the family. How many ships does UK and which lake?

 

[Coach Marrow]

It’s like Donovan at Florida except Hurley is more innovative and motivated

 

[UK67KU59]

I don’t think they make it past the sweet 16 this year.

Is this supposed to scare me?

Projected starting lineup

Hassan Diarra (6.1 PPG)
Aidan Mahaney (13.9 PPG at Saint Mary's)
Liam McNeeley (No. 9 in ESPN 100)
Alex Karaban (13.3 PPG)
Samson Johnson (5.4 PPG)

 

[GoAndRunIsGoneAndDone]

I don’t think they make it past the sweet 16 this year.

Is this supposed to scare me?

Projected starting lineup

Hassan Diarra (6.1 PPG)
Aidan Mahaney (13.9 PPG at Saint Mary's)
Liam McNeeley (No. 9 in ESPN 100)
Alex Karaban (13.3 PPG)
Samson Johnson (5.4 PPG)

Actually, I think the most impressive part of their last 2 ships is how average they were talent wise. Sure, they had a couple of very good players last year but overall, their roster was not very intimidating but he actually coached them to play the actual game. I'm hopeful we have the next Hurley in Pope. We'll see

 

[RalphDaltonFan]

One thing I really like that Hurley does is project how to get a championship by openly talking about the path in the NCAA Tournament that season. For instance he mentioned recently "Providence to Newark to San Antonio". He knows the locations and it's an important factor he sells to his coaches/players. I wish Cal would've done that more--UK missed out on 2 Regionals in Louisville in '19 and '23 because he blew off losses and didn't think it mattered where you played. Hurley's said the opposite.

So he sees a path and if they get to Texas for the Final Four-with their history in Final Fours (12-1) and in the State of TX (8-0) with titles in Houston twice, San Antonio and Dallas he realizes he's got a chance if they can play to a standard to get them a top 4 seed.

 

[NociHTTP]

Hurley is ahead of the game. Best coach in college ball. Everyone is looking up and chasing him.

Which shows just how much better a coach he is than Cal was when he was ahead of the game.

 

[RalphDaltonFan]

I don’t think they make it past the sweet 16 this year.

Is this supposed to scare me?

Projected starting lineup

Hassan Diarra (6.1 PPG)
Aidan Mahaney (13.9 PPG at Saint Mary's)
Liam McNeeley (No. 9 in ESPN 100)
Alex Karaban (13.3 PPG)
Samson Johnson (5.4 PPG)

Right now with their player development, I would expect them to be a Top 5 team come March. They back up their talk. Guys have vastly improved and outperformed their ranking or projection when going there due to how they coach/develop. Be it a Sanogo, Hawkins, Newton, Spencer, Jackson, etc...

They'll be very deep and one guy I'm very high on that I believe will outplay his ranking coming in is Isaiah Abraham. He was fantastic when watching him at Paul VI this year. Athletic, 6'8, can shoot from 3 and is tough defender. They got Ahmad Nowell too who fits how they do things and is a tough PG that UK offered last Summer.

I'm very high on Jaylin Stewart and Solomon Ball for them as well who will be going into their Soph seasons and Mahaney and McNeely are guys that Pope wanted so I'd say the fact Kentucky wanted both and UConn has both projected to play major factors is a great sign Pope knows what he's doing with evaluations.

Key for their team will be how good they can get Tarris Reed. Does he improve greatly or play kind of up and down like he did at Michigan? So far I can't bet against them with player development because they are not just backing up their talk, they are killing people come March/April. That has my respect and belief in them as a contender going into '25.

 

[AustinTXCat]

If Luke Murray returns to UConn Huskies coaching staff, their chance for a three-peat increases exponentially.

 

[BlueRunner11]

I’ll sell you a tinfoil hat if you believe ESPN is reason UConn is winning championships!

Won’t say it’s cause ESPN, but I still have my tin foil cap on when it comes to UCONN. Some of the worst flops (against UK) and officiating in tourney history has favored UCONN.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

One thing I really like that Hurley does is project how to get a championship by openly talking about the path in the NCAA Tournament that season. For instance he mentioned recently "Providence to Newark to San Antonio". He knows the locations and it's an important factor he sells to his coaches/players. I wish Cal would've done that more--UK missed out on 2 Regionals in Louisville in '19 and '23 because he blew off losses and didn't think it mattered where you played. Hurley's said the opposite.

So he sees a path and if they get to Texas for the Final Four-with their history in Final Fours (12-1) and in the State of TX (8-0) with titles in Houston twice, San Antonio and Dallas he realizes he's got a chance if they can play to a standard to get them a top 4 seed.

They have been unusually lucky in final fours. I mean we lost to them twice due to refs 100%. 2014 not so much but that final four was highway robbery.

 

[HeismaNole_rivals116019]

They were loaded in 1999 and 2004 with talent. Their only terrible championship team was 2014.

Be thankful for George Mason in 2006 because UConn likely would've won it all that season if not for that. Yes, I think they would've beaten 3 seed Florida with the matchup.

As for being worried, I mean, most of us have seen all of these teams win more titles than us in our lifetime. I've seen four UNC titles, all of Duke's five titles, all of UConn's six titles, and if you're 40, you've seen Kansas win just as many titles as us. It's crazy. This is why I usually expect the worst in sports. lol

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

If Luke Murray returns to UConn Huskies coaching staff, their chance for a three-peat increases exponentially.

What is this deal with Luke Murray, why wasn’t UofL so great when he was there?

 

[HeismaNole_rivals116019]

They have been unusually lucky in final fours. I mean we lost to them twice due to refs 100%. 2014 not so much but that final four was highway robbery.

2011 hurt badly. Horrific shooting for the entire FF. UConn beat us despite only making one three (they only made two the entire semi/finals combined). Then they won the title against Butler despite shooting 19 of 55. That's only because Butler shot 12 of 64 from the field. They only made three two point baskets for the entire game. Worst title game ever and the first one I turned off.

 

[Wildcats1st]

One thing I really like that Hurley does is project how to get a championship by openly talking about the path in the NCAA Tournament that season. For instance he mentioned recently "Providence to Newark to San Antonio". He knows the locations and it's an important factor he sells to his coaches/players. I wish Cal would've done that more--UK missed out on 2 Regionals in Louisville in '19 and '23 because he blew off losses and didn't think it mattered where you played. Hurley's said the opposite.

So he sees a path and if they get to Texas for the Final Four-with their history in Final Fours (12-1) and in the State of TX (8-0) with titles in Houston twice, San Antonio and Dallas he realizes he's got a chance if they can play to a standard to get them a top 4 seed.

Pitino did this goal setting stuff publicly. He was very open with what we needed to do. Hurley has a legit chance at 3 peat: would reallly suck and Hurley would become the modern day wooden.

 

[bradyjames_rivals]

Unfortunately our last coach had a chance to beat them twice out of the six. He blew them both.

There is one way to stop them. Beat them.

 

[AustinTXCat]

What is this deal with Luke Murray, why wasn’t UofL so great when he was there?

Good question. From what I gather, Murray served as head recruiter at UofL. At UConn, he's "offensive coordinator".

Bill Murray’s Son Designed UConn’s Offense. It’s No Joke. -- Wall Street Journal​

 

[HagginHall1999]

Actually, I think the most impressive part of their last 2 ships is how average they were talent wise. Sure, they had a couple of very good players last year but overall, their roster was not very intimidating but he actually coached them to play the actual game. I'm hopeful we have the next Hurley in Pope. We'll see

FWIW....the agenda at camp tomorrow morning includes the below. I know he's talking about #9 publicly. It is clear he is embedding it into the players heads early.

This is about culture and what matters. Pope 100% gets it.

10:15-10:30a Craft-M Know the Assignment...#9: Coach Pope + Players/Coaches

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

Good question. From what I gather, Murray served as head recruiter at UofL. At UConn, he's "offensive coordinator".

Bill Murray’s Son Designed UConn’s Offense. It’s No Joke. -- Wall Street Journal​

From what I’ve read some of their fans say they run a lot of FIBA sets. Maybe we should incorporate some of that because they have been amazing since changing that.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

Actually, I think the most impressive part of their last 2 ships is how average they were talent wise. Sure, they had a couple of very good players last year but overall, their roster was not very intimidating but he actually coached them to play the actual game. I'm hopeful we have the next Hurley in Pope. We'll see

They haven’t been average talent, they have 2 lottery picks and an AA from this last team alone. They lost 3 more draft picks from the previous team, plus had Karaban for both who will probably be picked next year. Clingan is as good as any post and proved that against Edey.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

2011 hurt badly. Horrific shooting for the entire FF. UConn beat us despite only making one three (they only made two the entire semi/finals combined). Then they won the title against Butler despite shooting 19 of 55. That's only because Butler shot 12 of 64 from the field. They only made three two point baskets for the entire game. Worst title game ever and the first one I turned off.

Yup and if not for the roofer we win that game.

 

[UK67KU59]

Right now with their player development, I would expect them to be a Top 5 team come March. They back up their talk. Guys have vastly improved and outperformed their ranking or projection when going there due to how they coach/develop. Be it a Sanogo, Hawkins, Newton, Spencer, Jackson, etc...

They'll be very deep and one guy I'm very high on that I believe will outplay his ranking coming in is Isaiah Abraham. He was fantastic when watching him at Paul VI this year. Athletic, 6'8, can shoot from 3 and is tough defender. They got Ahmad Nowell too who fits how they do things and is a tough PG that UK offered last Summer.

I'm very high on Jaylin Stewart and Solomon Ball for them as well who will be going into their Soph seasons and Mahaney and McNeely are guys that Pope wanted so I'd say the fact Kentucky wanted both and UConn has both projected to play major factors is a great sign Pope knows what he's doing with evaluations.

Key for their team will be how good they can get Tarris Reed. Does he improve greatly or play kind of up and down like he did at Michigan? So far I can't bet against them with player development because they are not just backing up their talk, they are killing people come March/April. That has my respect and belief in them as a contender going into '25.

I certainly think they benefit from his coaching but I’m not going to ordain him as the next coach K. I think he has gotten lucky with some real winners the last two years, but I just don’t see this year’s lineup being championship level. I’ll start to worry about them if they show up and show out next year. Here’s to hoping they don’t

 

[Killswitch24]

The problem for UConn is eventually, and soon, Hurley is going to the NBA. I think this will likely be his last season and if not the year after next. Eventually the Knicks are going to hand him the keys (or someone close) and give him the money and the years he wants. He will not remain in college there’s just no way. He just didn’t want to go to LA. It’s also of note that UConn does not have the NIL to continue this run more than likely. They’re doing what they can for Hurley but eventually it’s going to catch up. In 10 years it’ll be obvious once they have to attract a new coach without the resources of other programs. They’ll throw it to an assistant of his and they’ll nose dive from there. In the end it’ll be SEC / BIg10 who compete the most.

Hurley has not set the world on fire every season. He caught a damn good group of players and it just hit the right spot. I’m not afraid of Uconn in the NIL era. I would be if we were still operating in the traditional sense.

 

[Ryan Lemonds Hair]

It's just like Florida. A good coach caught a great group of players with good chemistry. A three peat would take an unusual amount of luck, plus everything else. They'll have a lot of distractions and a big target. I'd take the field, easily, if I had to bet.

You are exactly right and UF is a good analogy. Hurley had been mediocre as a coach for over a decade and caught lightning in a bottle with that group. IMO they haven't replaced a lot of the talent they lost with equal talent. We will see this year with the lofty expectations, less talent and relying on a couple of freshmen to contribute in significant roles if Hurley is Wooden incarnate or not.

 

[thebluestripes]

I dont like uconn, but their athletics department have had their priorities straight in regards to basketball. For too long the bunch at uk coasted off past accomplishments of others

 

[Padsfs07]

It's just like Florida. A good coach caught a great group of players with good chemistry. A three peat would take an unusual amount of luck, plus everything else. They'll have a lot of distractions and a big target. I'd take the field, easily, if I had to bet.

The great group of players already changed once too. They lost 3 starters and the 7th and 8th man off the 22/23 team and now have lost 4 starters off this past years team.

 

[CRZ4UK]

Won’t say it’s cause ESPN, but I still have my tin foil cap on when it comes to UCONN. Some of the worst flops (against UK) and officiating in tourney history has favored UCONN.

And coach K was the NCAA and ESPN darling as well. The second most official biased school in tournament history. To say UCONN And Duke have received favorable officiating is not a conspiracy theory. It’s Fact. The tournament is stupid hard to win. Three or 4 calls each game can make that path much easier.

 

[Nicholascat]

I don’t think they make it past the sweet 16 this year.

Is this supposed to scare me?

Projected starting lineup

Hassan Diarra (6.1 PPG)
Aidan Mahaney (13.9 PPG at Saint Mary's)
Liam McNeeley (No. 9 in ESPN 100)
Alex Karaban (13.3 PPG)
Samson Johnson (5.4 PPG)

There were national media guys who said they were keeping uconn top 3 even if Karaban stayed in the draft. They should be a tough out now, but no way preseason top 3.

 

[Coach Marrow]

It all goes back to 1999 when Duke lost against UConn in the finals. Both were outstanding teams that year but Duke had much better NBA type talent.

Duke had Elton Brand, Trajan Langdon, Battier, William Avery, and Corey Maggette.

UConn had Richard Hamilton and Khalid El-Amin.

 

[HeismaNole_rivals116019]

It all goes back to 1999 when Duke lost against UConn in the finals. Both were outstanding teams that year but Duke had much better NBA type talent.

Duke had Elton Brand, Trajan Langdon, Battier, William Avery, and Corey Maggette.

UConn had Richard Hamilton and Khalid El-Amin.

Jake Voskuhl was on that UConn team and he played a decade in the NBA. UConn also had Ricky Moore who was an incredible defender. But yes, Duke had more NBA talent. They only lost two games that year. One was from Cincinnati who did the full court Bryce Drew pass for a last second dunk and the other was the UConn two point loss.

 

[Titpwhami2014]

Honestly, if UConn bumped Duke from the #1 protected program status — I would find some peace in that. While the Huskies annoy me, the program in Durham is completely insufferable. I feel like UConn at least earned their championships. Officials gifted Duke the ‘02 title (seriously, go back and watch how that Maryland semifinal game was officiated once the Terps went up 20 or so in the first half) and arguments could be made they got helped in ‘92 (Laettner stomp) and ‘15 against Wisconsin as well.

 

[BlueRunner11]

And coach K was the NCAA and ESPN darling as well. The second most official biased school in tournament history. To say UCONN And Duke have received favorable officiating is not a conspiracy theory. It’s Fact. The tournament is stupid hard to win. Three or 4 calls each game can make that path much easier.

Yeah 2014 and 2015 should’ve been our back to back titles era. Returning players, mass talent, etc. Throw in the other screw job we got in 2017. Just sad what we could’ve racked up in that 5-6 year run after the 2012 title.

 

[HeismaNole_rivals116019]

Honestly, if UConn bumped Duke from the #1 protected program status — I would find some peace in that. While the Huskies annoy me, the program in Durham is completely insufferable. I feel like UConn at least earned their championships. Officials gifted Duke the ‘02 title (seriously, go back and watch how that Maryland semifinal game was officiated once the Terps went up 20 or so in the first half) and arguments could be made they got helped in ‘92 (Laettner stomp) and ‘15 against Wisconsin as well.

01 title. Indiana upset them in Rupp in 2002.

This was not called a foul on Williams which would've been his fourth.

The 2001 LA Times article about how bad the officiating was against Maryland in the semis and Arizona.

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-apr-09-sp-48870-story.html


We've definitely seen officials gift championships (refs called a non existant touch foul on Seton Hall in the closing seconds to give Michigan a title. Gave Duke a win over UNLV in the same fashion). But the most absurd officiating I have seen for an entire tournament was 2017 UNC. Literally carried in five of the six games.

 

[BigRedMachineBigBlueNation]

Yeah 2014 and 2015 should’ve been our back to back titles era. Returning players, mass talent, etc. Throw in the other screw job we got in 2017. Just sad what we could’ve racked up in that 5-6 year run after the 2012 title.

Cal is a disgrace of a coach. A dynasty of 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017* was ours.

 

[Killswitch24]

I dont like uconn, but their athletics department have had their priorities straight in regards to basketball. For too long the bunch at uk coasted off past accomplishments of others

Absolutely true, and it makes my blood boil. It’s one of the main reasons I cannot stand Mitch Barnhart. He has 100% sat back and been comfortable allowing our basketball program to be middle of the road as long as he’s got HIS reputation in order. You simply cannot be the AD at a blue blood football or basketball program if you’re not a high stakes risk taker and person committed to winning at the highest levels regardless of outcomes. He’s totally comfortable not being a premier program as long as we stay out of trouble ( you can’t even get in trouble anymore so it’s all about reputation with him) and he’s willing to see programs like Tennessee and Alabama out pace Kentucky.

If Pope doesn’t work out it’s time to completely and fully cut ties with Barnhart and bring someone in who’s committed to continuing excellence, not merely live off the past accomplishments of others and commit to his own reputation above the standard of excellence.

We’ve got a huge problem in Capilouto and Barnhart. As long as the money pours in, and they’re able to be the University Landlord of student rental property, they’re fine. They won’t care one thing about excellence in the sports that matter. This is a damn SEC program, they both should be at a school like Western.

 

[BigRedMachineBigBlueNation]

Absolutely true, and it makes my blood boil. It’s one of the main reasons I cannot stand Mitch Barnhart. He has 100% sat back and been comfortable allowing our basketball program to be middle of the road as long as he’s got HIS reputation in order. You simply cannot be the AD at a blue blood football or basketball program if you’re not a high stakes risk taker and person committed to winning at the highest levels regardless of outcomes. He’s totally comfortable not being a premier program as long as we stay out of trouble ( you can’t even get in trouble anymore so it’s all about reputation with him) and he’s willing to see programs like Tennessee and Alabama out pace Kentucky.

If Pope doesn’t work out it’s time to completely and fully cut ties with Barnhart and bring someone in who’s committed to continuing excellence, not merely live off the past accomplishments of others and commit to his own reputation above the standard of excellence.

We’ve got a huge problem in Capilouto and Barnhart. As long as the money pours in, and they’re able to be the University Landlord of student rental property, they’re fine. They won’t care one thing about excellence in the sports that matter. This is a damn SEC program, they both should be at a school like Western.

They (and the BBN ho support them) all care more about winning volleyball, track, and rifle titles than the sport UK is greatest at.