• Loading stock data...
Thursday, November 21, 2024

How UConn Built a Fifth National Championship Run

  • The Huskies built their historic title run with two savvy business decisions.
  • They hired coach Dan Hurley in 2018 and rejoined the Big East in 2020.
Apr 3, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley celebrates after walking off the court after defeating the San Diego State Aztecs in the national championship game of the 2023 NCAA Tournament at NRG Stadium.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Five years ago, the UConn Huskies had a losing record and played in different basketball conference. Now, they’re national champions for the fifth time in program history — only three D-I men’s basketball teams have more titles. 

The Huskies built their historic title run with two savvy business decisions: rejoining the Big East and hiring coach Dan Hurley. 

In 2018, the Huskies brought Hurley in after firing coach Kevin Ollie — who led the program to a national championship in 2014 but had struggled since (the department was still paying Ollie’s multimillion-dollar buyout in 2022).  

Hurley reportedly signed a six-year contract that pays about $2.9 million annually, slightly less than UConn women’s coach Geno Auriemma makes

A year later, UConn accepted a bid to leave the American Athletic Conference and rejoin the Big East. 

In the AAC, they had struggled with an unsuccessful football team and faced high travel costs and little basketball competition for their men’s or historic women’s program. 

But when the Huskies returned to the Big East, they were able to focus on basketball — which helped with recruiting, as multiple pundits pointed out. In turn, the program’s arrival helped reinvigorate the new Big East.

Now, the conference boasts three national championships since it reformed a decade ago — and UConn enjoys its blue-blood status. 

“The Big East was the best conference in the country this year,” Hurley told reporters Tuesday night. “We were the best conference in this tournament, and I don’t think we’re going anywhere.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

From WWE to Washington: Linda McMahon Is Trump’s Pick for Education Secretary

McMahon was the president and CEO of WWE for nearly 30 years.

Roki Sasaki Pursuit Could Lead to Chaos in 2025 International Class

Big league clubs may redirect bonus pool money to chase the Japanese phenom.
Geno Auriemma

Geno Auriemma Becomes All-Time Winningest NCAA Basketball Coach

He took the record from Tara VanDerveer, who set it in January.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Who Can Actually Afford Juan Soto?

0:00

Featured Today

Nov 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Williams Racing driver Logan Sargeant of the United States (2) during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

F1 Grand Prix Upended Vegas Last Year. Stakes Are High for Its..

Stakes are high as F1 gears up for a successful second act.
Classic Football Shirts New York Pop-Up
November 18, 2024

Vintage Soccer Jerseys Have Found a Sweet Spot in the Lucrative U.S...

The money-making shirts are at the prime intersection of memorabilia and fashion.
Nov 13, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) reacts after fouling Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (not pictured) during the second half at Madison Square Garden.
opinion
November 16, 2024

NBA Ratings Rorschach Test: Buy the Dip

Was it the election? Too many threes? Lack of storylines?
November 15, 2024

Executive Decision: When Richard Nixon Named a College Football Champion

In 1969, the 37th president unilaterally named the winner of the season.

Old Rivals, New Stakes: Notre Dame and Army to Clash in Yankee..

The two schools are playing for the first time since 2016.
November 20, 2024

Sparks Turn to College Ranks: Utah’s Lynne Roberts Named Head Coach

The Atlanta Dream hired Karl Smesko last week.
Nov 16, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders looks on before the game against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field.
November 20, 2024

Prime Time: Colorado Now Favored to Win Big 12, Eyes CFP Berth

Colorado is No. 16 in the latest CFP rankings.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
November 18, 2024

Louisiana Governor’s PAC Paid for Controversial LSU Tiger

Jeff Landry’s backers funded the tiger that appeared at Alabama-LSU.
November 18, 2024

The WBD-NBA Settlement’s Ripple Effect on College Sports

WBD’s networks will air Big 12 football and men’s basketball games.
Sen. Ted Cruz is introduced by former President Donald Trump at a rally at Million Air, a private airplane terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Friday October 25, 2024.
November 15, 2024

Sen. Ted Cruz Promises College Sports Bill As Commerce Chair

The NCAA could be one step closer to its goals in Congress.
November 14, 2024

Lawsuit Seeks to Bar Volleyball Player From Mountain West Conference Tournament

The suit comes after several San Jose State opponents have forfeited.