Bill Murray is best known for his work as an actor and comedian, starring in “Groundhog Day,” “Ghostbusters” and “Saturday Night Live.”
Now, the A-lister can be seen in the crowd of UConn Huskies games, cheering on the team from Storrs, Connecticut. Murray was frequently shown on camera in the Huskies’ runs to the title the last two seasons and yet again this year. Why is the Evanston, Illinois native and Regis University graduate cheering on UConn?
Why is Hollywood star Bill Murray a UConn Fan?
Despite his previous allegiance to the Illinois Fighting Illini, Murray has been attending UConn games to support his son, Luke Murray, an assistant coach for the Huskies.
Luke joined head coach Dan Hurley’s staff in April 2021 and has since been a member of three straight NCAA tournament teams, including the national title winners in 2023 and 2024.
In 2023, Luke divulged to the media that his father had picked UConn to win the whole thing, which led to a contentious matchup against St. Mary’s in the Round of 32.
“My uncle Brian went to St. Mary’s and was cheering for St. Mary’s tonight,” Luke said. “My dad definitely picked UConn; they sat on opposite sides. He sat behind the St. Mary’s bench and my dad was with the winners.”
Luke plays a vital role in implementing Hurley’s offense and developing frontcourt players, ranking No. 1 in offensive efficiency in 2023-24 and No. 3 the year prior. Luke mentored All-Conference frontcourt players, including Adama Sanogo and Donovan Clingan, while also playing a role in UConn’s recruiting and scouting.
Luke has been working with Hurley at Wagner since 2011 but started his coaching career at Quinnipiac. He left Wagner for Xavier before moving to Towson, eventually returning to Hurley’s staff at Rhode Island.
KEEP READING: ‘At UConn, You’re Supposed to Win’ — Dan Hurley’s Take on March Madness Mindset
In 2022-23, Luke filled in for Hurley when he tested positive for COVID-19; the Huskies lost to Seton Hall 67-66.
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