After downing the Purdue Boilermakers Monday Night 75-60, the UConn Huskies have officially completed the first back to back campaign since Florida in 2007. Lets discuss how the did it, and the three main factors for getting there: the coach, the players, and the fans.
The Coach
Son of the greatest high school basketball coach of all time and brother to one of the greatest Duke basketball players of all time, Dan Hurley is truly a member of a basketball family. After playing in college at Seton Hall, Dan Hurley began a strong coaching career with stints at St. Benedicts Prep and Wagner before moving on to Rhode Island. While there, Dan led them to a rare NCAA tournament and began to rebuild the program before switching to UConn, where he hasn't looked back.
When it comes to the coaching, Hurley never fails to bring another level of intensity. In notable coaching moments caught on camera, Dan Hurley is seen shouting and screaming as his players run stairs in the arena, continuing to push them past where they thought they can go.
Regardless of how you perceive him or how much you criticize his coaching, you cannot ignore just how much success Hurley has had and will most likely continue to have.
The Players
Those who play on the court may not be the sole reason for success, but they are definitely mostly the reason. Over the entire tournament, the Huskies players have displayed some of the most powerful and fast gameplay imaginable, especially in the past three games. From the Elite Eight to the Championship, the Huskies have won every game against top teams by more than ten points, even beating Illinois by 25, going on a 30-0 run to start the second half as well.
Along with their dominating victories comes the true star power they have on the court. To start, who can forget the post demon Donovan Clingan. Projected as a high lottery pick in this years draft, Clingan has given teams issues offensively and defensively, and although Edey gave him trouble, he still has proven his worth this postseason. When it comes to the back court, Stephon Castle has made waves around the basketball community. At the height of 6-6, this point guard has the size and speed of an NBA all-star, with explosiveness and speed which are extremely hard to find.
While Dan Hurley played a large role, nothing can beat how necessary these men were to another national championship, and rightly so.
The Fanbase
While those on the court are who "win the game," the Huskies fans truly bring the program to another level of success, especially during March. With clips floating around of the watch parties and the fans cheering the players on, the UConn fans have changed the game for the team. Although they have only been at the top for around 3 decades on and off, the UConn community has taken on the mantle of "Basketball World Capital," many fans proclaiming this title deserves no other home.
Tyler Rath; Vice President, InSzn Sports
Add comment
Comments