The UConn Huskies are on a roll this season! Head coach Dan Hurley has to be given some credit for this. In their last match, UConn won 67-59 over Oklahoma in the first round of March Madness. This puts the Huskies win streak to 13 games. The national champions had to bring their best game as Oklahoma pushed them to the limit.
At one point, UConn led by 10, only to see their opponents catch up. But when it mattered the most, Alex Karaban came in with a three-pointer. This gave the Huskies a lead they wouldn’t surrender. Despite the game being one of the best the world has seen from UConn, Hurley’s sideline antics are making the headlines!
Dan Hurley Back With Yet Another Antic
Hurley has perhaps been the focus of more headlines than UConn. He has been consistently bringing passion to the court that oftentimes seems to get out of hand. And the match against Oklahoma was no different.
During the second half, UConn had a small lead of 37-32, and a controversial moment led to a replay review. Naturally, Hurley wanted to see the action for himself. However, as he approached the monitor, the referee was having none of it.
The referee physically blocked him and pushed him aside. And despite the win, it was the moment that went viral, adding yet another chapter to Hurley’s long history of sideline theatrics.
Hurley is a double-edged sword for any team that has him. His intensity is the driving force behind UConn’s wins, but it is also the reason they are constantly in controversy! Hurley has always made his presence felt, whether it’s arguing with officials, engaging in animated discussions, or delivering post-game rants. In fact, Hurley is aware of what we are doing!
In the press conference post-Friday’s game against Okafterma, Hurley himself admitted that his actions overshadowed the Huskies’ accomplishments. He said, “If it weren’t antics and viral moments, obviously there’d be more focus on what we’ve accomplished as a program the last three years. It’s been an amazing run, one of the best runs anyone’s had.” That is true!
Not Dan Hurley’s First Time At the Center of Referee-Drama
This entire season, Hurley has been headlining for all kinds of drama from the sideline. On The Field of 68: After Dark podcast, ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt said, “I have a complete 180 on Dan Hurley. When he was in Rhode Island, I thought he was insufferable. But after talking to him, I realized he’s a completely different dude off the court.”
While Van Pelt acknowledged Hurley’s coaching, he did question his need for constant confrontation with referees. “That face, the hands behind the back, the berating of people—enough, man,” he added.
Hurley is not the first to have crossed the fine line between passion and excess. Names like Bob Knight and John Calipari also have done so. Hurley is writing his version of that controversial script. Just last year, during the Maui Invitational, his sideline outburst led to a technical foul at a critical moment in overtime against Memphis.
Instead of focusing on the game, it became a battle with the officials. This led to UConn’s 99-97 loss. And, as expected, his post-game press conference was another spectacle, blaming the referees for “sh-tty calls” rather than acknowledging his team’s missed opportunities.
KEEP READING: ‘At UConn, You’re Supposed to Win — Dan Hurley’s Take on March Madness Mindset
The only question remains: will startit foreshadow UConn’s quest for a historic three-peat? Or has Hurley finally learned his lesson? But for now, Hurley’s latest sideline moment is just another episode in what’s becoming a must-watch coaching saga.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
