Dan Hurley: From High School Flop to UConn Success Story

Early Coaching Struggles

Despite his impressive resume as a player, Dan Hurley's coaching career began with a stumble. After graduating from Seton Hall University, he took over as head coach at Saint Benedict's Preparatory School in 1999 at the age of 28. However, his first four seasons there were marked by struggles, with a lack of success on the court.

Honesty and Humility

Instead of shying away from his struggles, Hurley openly admits to his early coaching mistakes. He has stated that he "sucked" as a high school coach, lacking the necessary experience and understanding of player development.

Success at UConn

In 2018, Hurley was named the head coach of the UConn Huskies men's basketball team. After a rocky first season, he has since led the team to significant success.

National Recognition

Hurley has guided UConn to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight run in 2022. He has been named the American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year twice, and was a finalist for the Naismith National Coach of the Year Award in 2022.

Player Development

Hurley is known for his ability to develop young players. Under his guidance, several UConn players have garnered national recognition, including All-American and NBA Draft picks.

Flirting with the NBA

In 2023, Hurley briefly flirted with the possibility of leaving UConn for the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers. However, after much deliberation, he ultimately decided to remain with the Huskies.

Loyalty and Commitment

Hurley's decision to stay at UConn despite the allure of the NBA showcased his loyalty to the program and his commitment to building a lasting legacy. Fans and alumni expressed overwhelming support for his decision, cementing his popularity within the Huskies' faithful.