Jan 29 2025 29 mins 5
In today’s episode of Locked On UConn, we break down Dan Hurley’s latest press conference and what it means for the Huskies moving forward. Liam McNeeley is officially OUT for DePaul, and Hurley didn’t sound convinced his team has weathered the storm without him. We analyze what UConn needs to do to stay afloat, how Hassan Diarra is pushing through injuries, and why Aidan Mahaney might hold the key to UConn’s postseason success.
Segment 1: Injury Updates & UConn’s Current State
• Liam McNeeley is OUT for DePaul
• Hurley: “Less than a 50% chance he plays.”
• What that means for UConn’s lineup and rotation.
• How his absence is impacting Karaban, Mahaney, and others.
• Hassan Diarra’s Health Concerns
• Dealing with nagging injuries but still expected to play.
• Hurley calls him a “warrior” and a “UConn guy”.
• Are the Huskies Demoralized?
• Hurley: “We’re teetering.”
• UConn has gone 3-3 without Liam—good enough, or not?
• Hurley: “We don’t need a savior, just another really good player on the court.”
• What Drives Hurley Crazy?
• Losing due to lack of effort, care, or heart—he can live with losing if it’s just a bad shooting night.
• Some players have earned his trust, others haven’t.
Transition: UConn has struggled with inconsistency, but help is on the way. Let’s talk about the most talented recruiting class in program history.
Segment 2: UConn’s McDonald’s All-Americans & Recruiting Class
• Historic Class Incoming
• UConn lands three McDonald’s All-Americans for the first time ever.
• Only Duke and UConn had three selections.
• Names:
• Liam McNeeley (2024) – Versatile scorer
• Eric Reibe (2025) – Skilled 7-footer
• Darius Adams (2025) – High-IQ guard
• Braylon Mullins: The Underrated Star
• Averaging 35.2 PPG in high school—elite scorer.
• Could be UConn’s next NBA lottery pick.
• Jacob Furphy: The Wild Card
• Hurley is extremely high on him.
• “He’d be flirting on the court this year.”
• Hurley believes Furphy’s toughness and fire will help restore UConn’s locker room culture.
• Hurley’s Subtle Dig at Past Players?
• “These guys didn’t come here for magic dust that guarantees the NBA or a championship.”
• Is he referencing past players who didn’t buy into UConn’s grind-it-out culture?
Transition: UConn’s future is bright, but what about the present? Hurley had plenty to say about his coaching evolution, media narratives, and what this team needs to do down the stretch.
Segment 3: Hurley Sounds Off – Coaching, Critics & The Road Ahead
• Hurley on Coaching Evolution
• Acknowledged he wanted to coach with “more joy and patience”—is he there yet?
• What’s been the biggest challenge for him this season?
• Aidan Mahaney: The X-Factor
• Hurley: “Where our season goes is tied to Aidan.”
• UConn needs him to be a playmaker and create offense off-script.
• Jaylin Stewart & Sophomore Pressure
• Stewart has flashed brilliance—needs to put it together every night.
• UConn’s young players are pressing hard—they want to live up to the program’s standard.
• Alex Karaban’s Growth
• Learning how to be the top guy on scouting reports.
• February & March will define his leadership ability.
• Hurley on Media & Critics
• “I take advice from my mentors—the people who watch my games. Watch my games. Watch my games.”
• Doesn’t listen to analysts or critics unless they truly study UConn.
• Cancer Awareness Night: A Personal Touch
• Hurley’s father-in-law, Ken, passed away from cancer.
• This night is deeply personal for the Hurley family.
• Scouting DePaul – Must-Win Game
• DePaul is better than expected—nearly beat Marquette & Seton Hall.
• Hurley: “Any game we win right now is a huge win.”
• Conversations with Bob Hurley Sr.
• Hurley still talks to his dad after every game.
• Bob Sr. is blunt about who should play more (and less). 😂
• Solo Ball’s Development
• Needs to improve passing and ball-handling.
• Rebounding & athleticism already stand out.
• Coaching This Team vs. Past Teams
• Hurley compared this season to Year 3 & 4 at UConn—gritty, flawed, but fixable.
• Coaching dominant teams is easier, but he still loves the challenge.
• Game Day Routine – Vintage Hurley
• Still rides Peloton, but…
• “On game days, the wild horse has to go run.” 😂
