“Enough to lose 3 in a row?”, “Not a monster”: College hoops fans unimpressed after NCAAB analyst’s take on Dan Hurley and UConn’s formidable duo

Dan Hurley and UConn have had ups and downs in the 2024-25 season. Last month, they had a torrid run in the Maui Invitational, losing all three of their Hawaii games, shocking college basketball fans everywhere.

However, they have bounced back since then, scoring three wins on the trot. That includes a narrow 76-72 victory over former No. 15 Baylor on Dec. 4, their first ranked win of the season. A key feature of their on-court performances has been the work done by their centers, Tarris Reed Jr. and Samson Johnson.

Noted NCAAB analyst Jon Rothstein highlighted their stats on X (formerly Twitter), dubbing the UConn pair as a "two-headed monster." While acknowledging that they are not making the same impact as Donovan Clingan and Adama Sanogo, who were influential in the Huskies's run to the national championship in 2023, Rothstein believed they could get the job done at Storrs.

"UConn’s two-headed monster at center of Samson Johnson and Tarris Reed is currently averaging a combined 18.7 PPG, 10.8 RPG, and 3.3 BPG. Neither one is Clingan or Sanogo, but together they're enough," wrote Rothstein.

Within minutes, fans took to social media to rebuke Rothstein's comments and express their opinions. Some poked fun at Hurley's side, indirectly mentioning how they struggled in Maui and their tendency to give away fouls.

One fan quizzed, "Enough for what? Enough to lose 3 in a row?"

Another said, "Jon that’s awful for a combined stat line."

"Only if they stop committing dumb fouls," added another.

While others noted his point, they also tried to balance the hype around the two centers by bringing their versions of giving a reality check.

"We appreciate the love but they’re a formidable front. Not a monster," said one fan.

Another said, "LOL not sure it’s a monster. If we break down rebounds is it 10.0 for Tarris and 0.8 for Samson?"

"Man, Johnson and Reed are killing it. Fix the pointless fouls and this team will get a lot better," added another.

Dan Hurley and UConn are 7-3 this season

UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. and Samson Johnson (35) attempt to block a shot during an NCAA men's basketball game. (Credits: IMAGN)

Bar the Maui Invitational, where Dan Hurley lost his cool on multiple occasions, the reigning national champions have started the season well. They are still unbeaten at home and scored their first win outside Connecticut on Sunday, convincingly beating the Texas Longhorns 76-65.

UConn gained seven spots to move to 18th in the latest update of the AP Top 25 and will be keen to overcome the stiff challenge posed by No. 8 Gonzaga. Their next game will tip off at Madison Square Garden on Sunday at 8:00 PM ET.