"We're not contenders, we're defending like pretenders": Dan Hurley gives harsh reality check to UConn on major weakness since B2B NCAA championships

Dan Hurley assessed the UConn Huskies' chances of winning their third consecutive national championship in the 2024-25 season. He shared his insights on the Huskies' title defense in an interview with the media on Tuesday ahead of UConn's showdown with DePaul at Wintrust Arena.

The Huskies will enter their first contest of the new year in fine form, having won their last six games to close out 2024. They have turned things around since losing all their matchups against unranked teams at the Maui Invitational, climbing to No. 11 in the latest Associated Press rankings.

However, Dan Hurley still doubts his team's chances of repeating as champs. He blasted the Huskies' defense, highlighting the difference between his current team and those that captured the title in the previous two seasons.

"I want to thank 2023 and I want to thank 2024. As we turn to 2025, I don’t want to thank those years for how good they were to us," Hurley said (3:00). "But they were good to us because we had two-way players for the most part throughout our rotation."

Dan Hurley has no problems with the Huskies' offense, but their defense is still a work in progress.

"Right now, we’re a national championship contender and a Big East championship contender offensively," Hurley said. "Defensively, we’re not contenders. We’re defending like pretenders."

According to KenPom, the Huskies are ranked 99th in Division I in adjusted defensive efficiency with a low 101.9 rating. They are tied for 91st in scoring defense (through Dec. 30 games), allowing an average of 67.5 points per contest this season.

Dan Hurley, UConn Huskies head to DePaul with offense firing on all cylinders

Thanks to their offense, Dan Hurley and the UConn Huskies got back on track after their Maui debacle. They averaged 83.3 points during their six-game winning streak. UConn scored at least 94 points in the wins against Maryland Eastern Shore and Xavier.

UConn Huskies forwards Alex Karaban (#11) and Liam McNeeley (#30) celebrate after defeating the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Photo: Imagn

Four players are averaging double figures for the Huskies, who finished 2024 with a 10-3 overall record. Alex Karaban leads the team in scoring, averaging 16.5 points through 11 games. Freshman Liam McNeeley isn't far behind, averaging 13.9 points per contest. Solo Ball and Tarris Reed Jr. also have been key contributors, averaging 12.5 and 11.5 points, respectively.

Dan Hurley and his team will travel to Wintrust Arena in Chicago to take on DePaul on Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET. The game will air on CBS Sports Network.