“I had no idea what’s going to happen tonight”: UConn’s Dan Hurley admits uncertainty with only Alex Karaban as returning starter

One of the toughest aspects of Dan Hurley's three-peat run will be replacing lost championship players. UConn lost Cam Spencer, Donovan Clingan, Stephon Castle and Tristan Newton from last year's roster; all of them averaged double-digit scoring. The only returning player is Alex Karaban, who withdrew from the NBA draft.

When Hurley was asked in a press conference on Tuesday about his rotations for his current roster, he responded:

"I had no idea what's going to happen tonight. You never know, I mean, especially when you lose as many players. Championship team two years ago, we lost so many players going into the first game you play, you have no idea what's your team going to look like.

"You don't know if you are good, bad and then the same thing last year, you just don't know."

Nevertheless, having lifted back-to-back NCAA trophies, Dan Hurley shared that the uncertainty around a roster is a part of the process.

In 2023, Dan Hurley's UConn began the season losing Andre Jackson, Jordan Hawkins and Adama Sanogo. The three were responsible for nearly 40 points per game in the 2022–23 season. As a team, UConn averaged 78.6 points per game during the year.

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Dan Hurley's crew came through in the second half

Hurley’s comments around uncertainty could have stemmed from the Huskies' first half performance against Rhode Island. UConn made seven of its first 10 shots as Solo Ball and Alex Karaban directed the squad. However, as the visitors consistently pressured the paint, UConn's lead was trimmed to four points (44-40).

Nevertheless, UConn stormed past Rhode Island in the second half. They started the half with Karaban and Liam McNeeley’s momentum-shifting 3s.

Dan Hurley’s crew shot 55.4% from the field, while Rhode Island, after connecting on over 55% of their 3s in the first half, finished with an overall efficiency of 37.3%. They also attempted a whopping 35 free-throw attempts in the game.