UConn HC Dan Hurley drops 2-word reaction after major reported SEC basketball decision

UConn Huskies coach Dan Hurley has shared his reaction to a significant development in SEC basketball. College basketball insider Jon Rothstein reported on Monday that the Southeastern Conference had decided to stick with 18 league games.

On his X account, Hurley reacted to the news with a concise two-word response.

"Very smart," Dan Hurley said.

Hurley, known for his candid and passionate demeanor, reacted to the news following the addition of Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC’s already stacked roster for the 2024-25 season.

The SEC has apparently opted against expanding its conference schedule to 20 games. Various rumors about the initial discussions about increasing the number of games circulated as the conference prepared for its new lineup. However, reports have confirmed that the SEC will maintain its existing 18-game format for the 2025-26 season and beyond.

The strength of the SEC is evident in the latest AP Top 25 poll, where five of its teams sit in the top 10. Tennessee leads the charge at No. 1, followed by Auburn, Alabama, Florida and Kentucky. Other ranked teams include Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Arkansas, highlighting the depth of the league.

For the 2024-25 season, conference play will begin on Jan. 4 in the new year, with Florida visiting Kentucky, while Arkansas takes on Tennessee.

Dan Hurley heaps praise on championship-winning Huskies

UConn and Dan Hurley have claimed the last two NCAA national championships. Hurley’s decision to remain in Storrs after interest from the LA Lakers reflects his commitment to the structure and success he has cultivated with the Huskies, a setup he wasn’t willing to leave behind.

This season, UConn stands at 10-3. While some critics believe the team may not be as dominant as in previous years, Hurley is confident in his squad's potential. Reflecting on last season’s championship team, he acknowledged their exceptional chemistry.

“Last year’s team was just well put together personality-wise,” Dan Hurley said. “We just complemented each other in every way. Played such a level of bullet-proof basketball. No weaknesses.”

Junior forward Alex Karaban, a key part of UConn’s championship runs, echoed Hurley’s sentiment about the 2023 squad.

“I think it was the best college team of all time and just to do what we did in the tournament and just how dominant we were,” Karaban said.

The Huskies finished their historic season with an impressive 37-3 record, cementing their place in college basketball history. While replicating last year’s record may be a tough task, Dan Hurley and the Huskies have shown they remain a formidable force in college basketball.

Their resilience and depth have made them a team that cannot be overlooked, even as they navigate the pressures of living up to their championship legacy.