The UConn Huskies entered last season with high hopes and expectations. They had won back-to-back national championships and seemed to have the makings of a dynasty.
Head coach Dan Hurley even shut down the Los Angeles Lakers and chose to return to college to pursue another championship. Unfortunately, they struggled to find consistency for most of the season.
Nevertheless, they’ve added a strong recruit class, and they’re still a powerhouse. That’s why USA Today has them a the third-best team in college basketball ahead of next season.
UConn sits at No. 3 in latest USA Today ranking
“Three in a row wasn’t in the cards, but a third title in four years isn’t out of the question for UConn. Liam McNeeley is gone after just one year in Storrs, but reinforcements are coming for Danny Hurley, whose top-five recruiting class features a pair of McDonald’s All-Americans and an international prospect from Down Under. Post man Eric Reibe and guard Braylon Mullins comprise the domestic talent, and Australian wingman Jacob Furphy will arrive in the States this summer. Georgia transfer Silas Demary will provide even more backcourt depth. In addition, veteran forward Alex Karaban and rising junior Solo Ball return,” read the article.
Of course, this is just a projection, and while they look much better than they were last season on paper, they still need to prove that when they take the court and it actually counts.
Even so, while he might not be beloved or a popular figure among most fans, Dan Hurley has certainly earned the benefit of the doubt, and this team cannot be overlooked.