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Uconn's Dan Hurley Blames 'S--tty Calls' for Loss to Memphis; Technical Foul a 'Joke'

Nov 25, 2024
LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies reacts to a call in the first half during the Maui Invitational college basketball game against the Memphis Tigers at The Lahaina Civic Center on November 25, 2024 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies reacts to a call in the first half during the Maui Invitational college basketball game against the Memphis Tigers at The Lahaina Civic Center on November 25, 2024 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

The Memphis Tigers made two technical free throws in the final minute of their overtime victory over UConn Huskies.

The Memphis Tigers won the game by, well, two points in a 99-97 final.

But UConn head coach Dan Hurley doesn't believe his technical foul cost his team the game.

"I think it was the s--tty calls," he said, per Matt Norlander of CBS Sports. "I would expect to come to play in an event, and I don't know too many back-to-back national championship teams that get that type of a whistle."

He also said he believes the technical was issued because he fell to the ground protesting an over-the-back call on an offensive rebound, adding "what I gave the cameras today was Oppenheimer" when discussing how he comes across on camera.

"That was a joke," Hurley said of the technical, per Brendan Marks of The Athletic. "I mean, I just watched it. … I had a lot of issues with what went on in the game. … For that call to be made at that point in the game is a complete joke."

He didn't stop there when complaining about the whistle:

The technical and overtime ending cost the Huskies memories of an incredible comeback in regulation.

Memphis took a 13-point lead with just more than four minutes remaining on a Dain Dainja basket just for UConn to shift into takeover mode down the stretch. The two-time reigning champions dialed up the defensive pressure on the Tigers, which led to rushed possessions and turnovers as the Huskies gradually climbed back into the game.

One of those turnovers came with 14 seconds remaining and Memphis nursing a three-point lead. UConn capitalized on the ensuing possession with a dramatic Solo Ball three-pointer with one second left to force overtime.

It looked like Hurley's team was going to win from there with all the momentum, especially after another three from Ball extended the lead to four with two minutes left in the extra period. Yet the Tigers responded with multiple three-pointers of their own to tie the game before Liam McNeeley was whistled for an over-the-back call in the final minute.

Had the call not happened, McNeeley likely would have had an easy putback to take the lead again after the offensive rebound. Instead, Memphis got two free throws for the foul and was awarded with two more after Hurley lost his composure on the sidelines.

To UConn's credit, it cut into the four-point deficit with free throws of its own and had a final desperation heave at the buzzer, but it didn't fall.

It's not a stretch to suggest the Huskies would have won the game if the officials didn't call the questionable over-the-back foul. It's also not a stretch to suggest the Huskies would have won the game if Hurley kept his composure and did not pick up a technical foul.

Fortunately for the head coach and team, it is only November in a long season. It will have plenty of time to bounce back from this loss and compete for a Big East title and No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.

But Hurley's sideline antics were once again the storyline during Monday's loss.

Hurley, No. 2 UConn Upset by Hardaway, Memphis at Maui Invitational; CBB Fans Stunned

Nov 25, 2024
LAHAINA, HAWAII - NOVEMBER 25: Aidan Mahaney #20 of the Connecticut Huskies attempts a layup as he is defended by Dain Dainja #42 of the Memphis Tigers during the first half of the Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 25, 2024 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HAWAII - NOVEMBER 25: Aidan Mahaney #20 of the Connecticut Huskies attempts a layup as he is defended by Dain Dainja #42 of the Memphis Tigers during the first half of the Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 25, 2024 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)

The back-to-back defending champs have their first loss of the year just five games into the season.

Penny Hardaway and unranked Memphis knocked off No. 2 UConn 99-97 at the Maui Invitational on Monday, snapping a 17-game winning streak for the Huskies. UConn, which finished 37-3 a year ago, hadn't lost since Feb. 20 when they fell to Creighton in a Big East matchup. It was UConn's first loss to a non-conference opponent in almost a year.

The Tigers led by double digits late in the second half, but Dan Hurley's squad had a late push to make it a three-point game with just over a minute to go. Memphis hit a pair of free throws before UConn did the same on the other end. The Huskies then forced a turnover down three with 13 seconds left.

UConn scrambled on its final possession before Solo Ball drained a three with just over a second remaining to tie things up. Memphis' game-winner attempt from beyond halfcourt missed and the game went into overtime.

It was back and forth for much of overtime before Hurley picked up a technical with less than a minute to go. The Tigers made both technical free throws before making two free throws from the previously called foul to make it a four-point game.

A chaotic final minute saw UConn cut it back down to a one-possession game, but it was too little, too late with just two seconds remaining.

Memphis looked to veteran transfer Tyrese Hunter in the win, and he delivered. The senior had 26 points on a scorching hot 7-of-10 from deep. Sophomore guard PJ Haggerty also contributed 22 points and five assists while senior forward Dain Dainja dropped 14 off the bench.

After the game, fans were stunned to see the defending champs fall to an unranked squad.

https://twitter.com/JoeMama158710/status/1861171913113968812

If there is one thing that can be said about Memphis, it is that the Tigers often rise to the occasion. ESPN's Jeff Borzello noted that Monday's win marked five straight against ranked opponents for Memphis since the start of last season.

Since Hardaway took over at Memphis ahead of the 2018-19 season, the Tigers have found some success but haven't gotten to the next level of being a championship contender. Monday's win shows that things could look different this year.

Memphis has mostly relied on young talent in the past but has a roster full of veteran transfers this year. That could be the recipe for success for Hardaway and the Tigers.

UConn's hopes of a third straight tile are far from over, but it's clear the Huskies lost some talent last year and have some work to do before they return to their dominant selves.

Dan Hurley: UConn's New Players Want to Win CBB Title 'Like They Need Oxygen'

Nov 6, 2024
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 23: UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley during Big East Conference Basketball media day at Madison Square Garden on October 23, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 23: UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley during Big East Conference Basketball media day at Madison Square Garden on October 23, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images)

UConn men's basketball coach Dan Hurley doesn't believe complacency will be an issue as the program seeks a third straight national title.

"The new players we've brought in, they're seeing the back-to-back championship sweatshirts and banners, and they want that title like they need oxygen," he said to Fox Sports' John Fanta. "In a weird way, it's a perfect storm."

The Huskies had to overhaul their roster with multiple key players from 2023-24 moving on. Stephon Castle and Donovan Clingan left early for the NBA draft and were lottery picks. Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer graduated.

That's four of UConn's five highest scorers and that kind of turnover is typically too large a hurdle to overcome for a defending national champion.

But Hurley and his staff added Saint Mary's guard Aidan Mahaney and Michigan center Tarris Reed Jr. through the transfer portal. Five-star center Liam McNeeley and a pair of 4-star recruits, Ahmad Nowell and Isaiah Abraham, signed on as well.

Alex Karaban, the best returning star from last year, made it clear to Fanta that he hasn't taken his eyes off the prize.

"I want to chase history," he said. "I want to be a part of history, and as a collective group, it's about chasing something that hasn't been done since the Wooden days and, individually, being one of the winningest college players of all time."

The Huskies opened the season third in the Associated Press Top 25 poll, which pretty much tells you all you need to know about how much talent they have.

UConn has a relatively straightforward slate of nonconference games before playing No. 8 Baylor, No. 19 Texas and No. 6 Gonzaga all in succession. That stretch will reveal a lot about whether a three-peat is possible.

UConn's Dan Hurley Rips Society's Modern Sports Culture: 'We Don't Value Champions'

Oct 23, 2024
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - APRIL 08: Alex Karaban #11 of the Connecticut Huskies celebrates after making a shot in the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers during the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament National Championship game at State Farm Stadium on April 08, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - APRIL 08: Alex Karaban #11 of the Connecticut Huskies celebrates after making a shot in the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers during the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament National Championship game at State Farm Stadium on April 08, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

UConn men's basketball head coach Dan Hurley says junior forward Alex Karaban's snub from the AP's preseason All-American team is emblematic of a "societal issue" with sports.

"Alex does a s--tty job of drawing attention to himself. Maybe if he did more TikToks, he'd have solidified his All-American status," Hurley told reporters on Wednesday (h/t Jaden Daly.) "We value the wrong things in sports.

"We don't value champions, but maybe that's a societal issue."

Karaban, who withdrew from the 2024 NBA draft this spring, is the lone returning starter playing for UConn this fall. He averaged 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds last season while helping the Huskies to a second straight title.

Hurley is returning to the Huskies after turning down a six-year, $70 million offer to serve as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

He told reporters in June that his decision to ink a six-year, $50 million deal to stay with UConn hinged in part on Karaban's return.

Karaban may not have much of a presence on TikTok, where his lone post is a highlight reel from the Huskies' run to the 2024 title, but that doesn't mean he hasn't profited from his two seasons as a starter for UConn's championship teams. Partnerships with brands including JBL and Dunkin' have earned him an On3 NIL valuation of $989,000, good for the 26th-highest in college basketball.

UConn freshman Liam McNeeley (On3 NIL valuation of $988,000) also reportedly has one of the 30 most lucrative NIL portfolios in college basketball.

Hurley said last week during an appearance on the Come and Talk 2 Me podcast (28:00 mark) that NIL makes him "coach harder" because "the more resources that get poured into you, the more the people that are pouring these resources deserve from you."

But Hurley also expressed concern about the impact of these NIL portfolio's on his players' drive to succeed.

"I worry about the players, though," Hurley said. "There's a sense, I think you can see a little bit, sometimes it's good to be broke. I think sometimes that is a feeling that is healthy to not have, the feeling of desperation and urgency, when you don't have a lot. Now, maybe, you get to 20 years old, and your life is pretty sweet.

"You don't want to get seduced... you don't want this to be the best you ever have it. That would be, I think, haunting for these guys."

There's a possibility that Karaban's name being left off the preseason All-American list could help provide some of that motivation for the third-year guard. Karaban earned a spot on the preseason first-team all-Big East squad but lost out on the conference's preseason Player of the Year title to fifth-year Creighton standout Ryan Kalkbrenner, so he'll have plenty to prove heading into what could be his final college season.

Karaban, Hurley and the Huskies are set to open the regular season against Sacred Heart in Storrs on Nov. 6.

UConn Reveals 'Back-to-Back' Rings After 2024 NCAA MCBB Championship in Photos, Video

Oct 18, 2024
HARTFORD, CT - DECEMBER 18: UConn Huskies logo on the court during the game as the Butler Bulldogs take on the UConn Huskies on December 18, 2023 at the XL Center in Hartford, CT (Photo by Williams Paul/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HARTFORD, CT - DECEMBER 18: UConn Huskies logo on the court during the game as the Butler Bulldogs take on the UConn Huskies on December 18, 2023 at the XL Center in Hartford, CT (Photo by Williams Paul/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

UConn became the first back-to-back national champions since 2007 last season when they downed Purdue in the national championship game, and now they have rings to honor the monumental feat.

On Thursday, UConn revealed its "back-to-back" national championship rings.

The rings feature six stones to represent the Huskies' six national championships along with the Big East trophies, representing their regular season and conference tournament titles, the New York skyline, where the Big East tournament is played, and their 21 conference wins.

The underside of the ring features the scores from their dominant NCAA tournament run. On the side, the rings have "BK-BOS-PHX," marking their journey to the championship through Brooklyn, Boston and Phoenix. The Huskies' 37-3 record is engraved on the same side.

The Huskies dominated on their way to a national championship with a total margin of victory of 140 points. They downed the No. 1-seeded Boilermakers 75-60 in the national title game.

The last team to win back-to-back championships was Billy Donovan's Florida in 2006 and 2007, but now Dan Hurley and UConn are chasing more history as they look to three-peat.

No team has won three consecutive championships since UCLA led by the legendary John Wooden did it in the 1960s and 1970s. While it seems like an impossible achievement, Hurley and the Huskies seem capable.

Dan Hurley Ripped UConn Players for 'Stealing Taxpayers' Money' After Practice Error

Oct 3, 2024
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - APRIL 08: Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies addresses the media after the National College Basketball Championship game against the Purdue Boilermakers at State Farm Stadium on April 08, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - APRIL 08: Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies addresses the media after the National College Basketball Championship game against the Purdue Boilermakers at State Farm Stadium on April 08, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Nobody can ever accuse Dan Hurley of not caring about the local taxpayers in his community.

A Thursday story from ESPN's Jonathan Givony detailed a time when the UConn men's basketball head coach used a rather interesting motivational technique when leading his team during a practice:

"Hurley then yelled to his team: 'You guys are stealing taxpayers' money' after a missed rotation. The quip came in between one of the thousands of F-words unleashed on his players, who are used to Hurley's coaching style. UConn staff reiterate Hurley's demeanor and his practice intensity are the same every day, whether it is June, October or March."

It's probably a safe assumption that most college coaches aren't invoking the use of taxpayers' money as a motivational tool, even in the era of name, image and likeness donations.

But Hurley isn't like most college coaches.

His demeanor on the sidelines is intense to say the least, and he rarely hesitates to let officials, the media and, apparently, his players know how he feels. It surely doesn't sit well with everyone, but it is also impossible to argue against his success.

After all, the Huskies enter the 2024-25 campaign as back-to-back national champions. They were especially dominant last season while going 37-3 overall and winning every game in the Big Dance by double digits, including the national title contest against Purdue.

They also figure to be among the top title contenders again during the upcoming season and checked in at No. 3 in ESPN's early Top 25 rankings last month.

All that recent success caught the interest of the NBA, and the Los Angeles Lakers made a push for Hurley this offseason after firing head coach Darvin Ham.

However, he ultimately turned down a six-year, $70 million offer from the Lakers that would have made him one of the NBA's six highest-paid coaches, per former NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski.

Had Hurley taken the Lakers job, he may have needed to adjust his approach during practices. After all, it is difficult to envision yelling about taxpayers' money working when interacting with the likes of LeBron James or Anthony Davis.

But it is working at the collegiate level, and he will be chasing yet another championship this season.

5-Star SG Darius Adams Commits to UConn Over Michigan State, Tennessee

Sep 30, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 10: A view of the Connecticut Huskies logo on their uniform during the game against the Georgetown Hoyas at Capital One Arena on February 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 10: A view of the Connecticut Huskies logo on their uniform during the game against the Georgetown Hoyas at Capital One Arena on February 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

One of the top-ranked players in the country out of the Class of 2025 has made his collegiate commitment.

Per 247Sports' Travis Branham, Darius Adams from La Porte, Indiana, has committed to Dan Hurley and the back-to-back national champion UConn.

Adams is considered to be the No. 19 player nationally, the No. 4 shooting guard in the country and the No. 2 player out of the state of Indiana by 247Sports Composite.

Adams held offers from plenty of top-ranked programs but ultimately was down to three schools with legendary coaches in Hurley's UConn, Tom Izzo's Michigan State and Rick Barnes' Tennessee.

After visits to all three schools, he decided Hartford was the best place for him.

"I would just say being around the guys and the coaching staff," Adams said, per Branham. "It was never like I didn't want to be around them, it never got boring. I really wanted to stay there, I really wanted to practice."

Adams marks the first commit for the Huskies for the Class of 2025, but plenty of top players are likely to follow if UConn can have similar success to its 2023-24 season. As for the Class of 2024, UConn boasts the No. 6 recruiting class, according to 247Sports, highlighted by Liam McNeeley, a 5-star prospect out of Montverde Academy in Florida.

After winning another championship last season, Hurley had the chance to walk away from the collegiate ranks but rejected a six-year, $70 million offer from the Los Angeles Lakers to stay at UConn.

He was later rewarded by the school with a six-year, $50 million contract.

After an offseason that proved his commitment to the Huskies, Hurley is looking to lead UConn to a third consecutive championship, which would be the first three-peat since John Wooden's legendary UCLA teams won seven in a row from 1968 to 1973.

Report: UConn Subject of Big 12 Expansion Talks with Presidents, ADs; No Vote Taken

Aug 26, 2024
LAWRENCE, KS - DECEMBER 1: The Big 12 Conference logo before the Big East-Big 12 Battle game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Connecticut Huskies on December 1, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images).
LAWRENCE, KS - DECEMBER 1: The Big 12 Conference logo before the Big East-Big 12 Battle game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Connecticut Huskies on December 1, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images).

The Big 12 is already a strong basketball conference, and it would become much more formidable in the sport if it added UConn.

Perhaps the conference's presidents and athletic directors had that in mind Monday, as ESPN's Pete Thamel reported they met to discuss potentially adding the Huskies as part of an expansion during a call that "was informational in nature."

There was no vote taken, although Thamel noted the expectation is the discussions will continue.

Basketball would be the selling point with this addition, which stands in contrast to some of the other conference moves of late.

Football has been the driving force behind much of the conference realignment in recent years, which the Big 12 can attest to after seeing powerhouse programs Texas and Oklahoma leave to join the SEC.

While the conference added Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah this offseason, it isn't difficult to make the argument it is now stronger in men's basketball than on the gridiron.

Kansas and Arizona are two of the gold-standard programs in the sport, while others such as Houston, Iowa State, Baylor, Texas Tech and West Virginia, among others, have enjoyed success. Cincinnati, which was a new addition ahead of last season, also has a more-established tradition in basketball compared to football.

UConn would be the ultimate basketball addition, as it has dominated on both the men's and women's sides.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxLNVDhqE7k

The Huskies are coming off back-to-back men's national titles and count six overall championships in program history. And anything less than a Final Four is almost considered a failure for Geno Auriemma's women's program, which has a stunning 23 Final Four appearances and 11 championships.

Some of the most iconic women's basketball players in history suited up for the Huskies, including Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart, Tina Charles and Rebecca Lobo.

At this point, Big 12 basketball is appointment viewing with its current list of teams.

Adding a powerhouse like UConn would mean even more headlines and must-see matchups, which is something the presidents and athletic directors will surely consider.

Report: Big 12 to Renew Pursuit of UConn amid Expansion, Conference Realignment

Aug 23, 2024
KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 12: Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark speaks at a press conference before the women's Big 12 tournament final between the Iowa State Cyclones and Texas Longhorns on Mar 12, 2024 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 12: Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark speaks at a press conference before the women's Big 12 tournament final between the Iowa State Cyclones and Texas Longhorns on Mar 12, 2024 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Big 12 league officials are set to meet next week for an "in-depth discussion" regarding the possibility of extending an invite to UConn to join the conference.

Andrew Marchand and Justin Williams of the Athletic reported the latest on Big 12's pursuit of UConn.

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark reportedly was speaking with the school since last summer about expansion before the league ultimately extended accepted invites to Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah.

Yormark said last August that the conversations with UConn were no longer active. However, multiple Big 12 administrators told The Athletic that talks continued again this year, although the commissioner "did not yet have a consensus internally to extend an invite."

UConn would need 12 of 16 league members to accept the school into the league "in a president-level vote."

Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports also reported news on UConn, noting that the school was in "serious expansion negotiations" with the Big 12.

"In the latest version of the deal, UConn would join the conference as a member in all sports except football starting, at latest, in 2026," Dellenger wrote.

"Contingent upon the school meeting certain investment thresholds in the sport, UConn football would join the Big 12 in 2031."

As both The Athletic and Dellenger noted, the key here is a power-packed college basketball conference in the Big 12 adding UConn, which has won six men's titles and 11 women's championships since 1995.

"Yormark has repeatedly expressed his desire to position the Big 12 as the nation's premier basketball conference, suggesting college hoops is 'undervalued' by TV partners," The Athletic wrote. Dellenger noted UConn's potential alignment with a "power conference brand."

And then there's the fact that UConn's football program, which is just one of two remaining independent Division I-FBS programs (alongside Notre Dame), would benefit greatly from joining a power conference.

"A football move is imperative for the school," Dellenger wrote. "As the last remaining independent football program in the country — excluding outlier Notre Dame — UConn receives the smallest portion of revenue from the College Football Playoff."

Dellenger ultimately noted that "nothing is imminent," but this is obviously a situation to watch as an elite college basketball program could be making its way to the Big 12.

Video: UNC, UConn, MSU, Colorado, Auburn Headline Bracket for 2024 Maui Invitational

Aug 19, 2024
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - APRIL 08: Head coach Dan Hurley and the Connecticut Huskies celebrates after the National College Basketball Championship game against the Purdue Boilermakers at State Farm Stadium on April 08, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - APRIL 08: Head coach Dan Hurley and the Connecticut Huskies celebrates after the National College Basketball Championship game against the Purdue Boilermakers at State Farm Stadium on April 08, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

The field for the 2024 Maui Invitational has been released.

The first-round matchups this year are UConn vs. Memphis, Colorado vs. Michigan State, Auburn vs. Iowa State and Dayton vs. North Carolina.

Seven of the eight teams qualified for the 2024 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament and UConn is the two-time defending National Champion. Last year's Maui Invitational champion, Purdue, is not in the field.

The Maui Invitational is entering its 41st year, and every team in the field has appeared in a previous rendition of the tournament. Auburn, Colorado, Iowa State and Memphis will seek their first tournament championship while UNC will be looking to match Duke for the most titles in the tournament's history (5).

Each team will play three games with a winners and losers bracket.

The tournament is set to kick off on Nov. 25 and will conclude on Nov. 27.

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