Hurley and the Huskies are Hungry to Reclaim the Crown
UConn has been the single most prominent program in college basketball this decade, winning the NCAA tournament back-to-back seasons dominantly. The high standard of success made the 2024-2025 season disappointing, as the Huskies finished 24-11 and lost in the second round of March Madness. From the first stretch of games, it was evident that the roster quality decreased, losing to unranked Memphis, Colorado, and Dayton. In order to prevent another disappointing season, one of basketball’s best minds, Dan Hurley, retained and added proper pieces that give the Huskies a chance to reclaim the crown.
While most programs are victims of the chaos that is the transfer portal, Hurley and UConn dodged the growing trend, retaining five highly impactful players, including two All-Big East recipients in Alex Karaban and Solo Ball. Karaban has had serious NBA draft buzz every season of his collegiate career, making it all the more surprising he’ll be in Storrs for his senior year. Very few programs possess a player of Karaban’s pedigree, as the high IQ, floor spacing combo forward brings championship experience and efficiency. On the other hand, Solo Ball is poised to be one of the best guards in the country. He took a massive leap as a sophomore, evolving into a versatile scorer, strong ball handler, and pesky perimeter defender.
In addition to the star duo, vital role players return to Storrs. Big man Taris Reed Jr, the former Big East Sixth Man of the Year, is set to take on a starting role. Reed’s role will be extremely important to UConn’s championship aspirations, succeeding Adama Sanogo and Donovan Clingan as the interior anchor. Standing at six-foot-ten, 260 pounds, Reed is an imposing physical force with strong finishing and defensive prowess. The forward tandem of Jaylin Stewart and Jayden Ross should see an increase in minutes as well. Both are raw wings with a sweet shooting stroke, athletic ability to switch, and a reliable off-ball presence.
Despite losing very little in the portal, UConn made significant gains. Both Silas Demary Jr and Malachi Smith were some of the best prospects in the portal and should ease the ball-handling duties of Solo Ball. Silas Demary Jr. arrives in Storrs as a dynamic combo guard who excels at getting downhill, drawing fouls, and defending at the point of attack. He’s a gifted athlete, possessing a lightning-quick first step and functional strength. Meanwhile, Smith is a pure point guard with real playmaking chops, averaging five assists with a two-to-one assist-to-turnover ratio. His ability to manage the game’s pace and distribute the ball will complement both Demary and Ball well.
Hurley also has an influx of highly touted recruits coming into Storrs next season. Braylon Mullins, a five-star recruit, is one of the best shooting prospects in his class, shooting 47% from the three in high school. Mullins can play the Jordan Hawkins, Cam Spencer role of running around pin-downs like a madman and constantly relocating, putting pressure on defenses. Eric Reibe will initially back up Reed, but has the skill to take his spot. The seven-footer has a unique ability to move fluidly, put the ball on the floor, and knock down threes. How effective he is in guarding in space and above-the-rim will determine how much playing time he receives.
