Dan Hurley highlights the silver lining of UConn star Liam McNeeley's injury: "This could be a blessing for us" 

UConn Huskies coach Dan Hurley is set to embrace adversity as an opportunity for growth. Following the recent injury of star freshman Liam McNeeley, Hurley expressed optimism, highlighting the potential silver lining for the Huskies as they navigate the challenges of McNeeley’s absence.

“When we do get him back healthy at the end of the month into February, this could be a blessing for us,” Hurley said.

“It’s only a blessing if you can find a way to win enough games while he is out. Because now you're developing people, developing your bench, but you have to win enough games that you're not beaten up.”

McNeeley, known for his maturity and leadership, has been instrumental in No. 11 UConn’s success, averaging 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 42.9%.

His ability, consistency and attitude have set a high standard for the Huskies (12-3, 4-0 Big East), making his injury a significant setback. However, Dan Hurley views this period without McNeeley as an opportunity to strengthen the team in new ways.

“This team now, with him out, is going to have to find ways to win enough games and develop some people that could really enhance this team,” Hurley said.

He emphasized that while McNeeley’s absence is a challenge, it also allows other players to step up and contribute, particularly those coming off the bench.

For Hurley, the focus is not just on surviving McNeeley’s absence but thriving during this period. He sees the next few weeks as a chance to build depth and develop younger players, which could pay dividends when McNeeley returns.

“We were able to get everyone back in time to get a rhythm as a team,” Hurley said, reflecting on the team’s recent resurgence.

“I think with Liam's situation, he's a huge reason why we've been able to rally and get through where we are. Winning seven in a row, he's a huge reason why. One of our top reasons.”

As the Huskies prepare for the stretch without McNeeley, Hurley’s words reflect his pragmatic yet hopeful approach. The team must rally together, find ways to win, and ensure they remain in a strong position for when their star returns. For UConn, McNeeley’s injury is not just a test — it’s an opportunity to emerge even stronger.

UConn’s Dan Hurley speaks out on defensive struggles

The UConn Huskies have proved themselves a force to be reckoned with on offense, but their defense tells a different story.

According to KenPom, UConn ranks second in the nation in offensive efficiency, a remarkable achievement for the Huskies vying for national and conference titles. However, their defensive ranking sits at No. 102, a glaring gap that has raised concerns about their championship aspirations.

“We’re a national championship contender and a Big East championship contender offensively,” Hurley said. “And defensively we’re not contenders. We’re defending like pretenders.”

The UConn Huskies boast a solid 11-3 record, even after a rocky performance at the Maui Invitational, where they left without a single win. Despite the setback, the Huskies rebounded strongly upon their return, showcasing their resilience in the face of adversity.

Yet while their offense continues to dominate, their defensive performance remains underwhelming. Dan Hurley didn’t shy away from addressing the disparity.

Hurley’s stark assessment rings true. UConn’s offensive firepower has been bolstered by standout players like Alex Karaban, Liam McNeeley and Solo Ball, who have consistently delivered big plays and high-scoring performances.