Amid NIL deals and transfer portal, Dan Hurley explains how “culture is more important” in college basketball
UConn coach Dan Hurley has uplifted the Huskies' basketball program to national prominence since taking over in 2018. He led them to back-to-back NCAA titles, establishing a strong winning culture within the program.
During his interview with sports analyst Pat McAfee on Tuesday, Hurley discussed the evolving landscape of college basketball. He emphasized the significance of cultivating a positive team culture above the lure of NIL deals.
"Nowadays, with NIL and the portal, and all the transactional feel of college sports, I think culture is more important than ever," Hurley said. "I think if you have a rare culture in terms of, it shouldn't even be old school values, it should just be what's right, right?
"There's nothing old school about holding each other accountable, having an incredible work ethic, being incredibly competitive, just being willing to sacrifice for the betterment of the group, that shouldn't be old school values," he added, "that should just be the way that organizations and human beings go about their business."
Dan Hurley won his second national championship with UConn last campaign, with a 37-3 overall record. Going into the new season, the Huskies are #3 in the preseason AP poll and remain a top contender for the title — a three-peat.
Dan Hurley wants to create a dynasty at UConn
To build a dynasty in college basketball, Hurley understands the importance of instilling core values that transcend wins and losses.
With two straight NCAA trophies, it fueled Dan Hurley and his UConn team to maintain a winning momentum and strive for more. He has mentioned several times that the Huskies aren't sitting back but instead going for a three peat and above all he wants to establish an empire in Storrs.
"Right now, our mindset — literally once we get on the team bus, I think I turned around and said, like, where's the East regional next year? All right, first two round are in Providence, and then the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight are in Newark, New Jersey and then the Final Four is in San Antonio," Hurley said McAfee.
"We're gonna enjoy and then you're going back to work and you're gonna put a roster together and hopefully go for a dynasty."
Dan Hurley and his men will tip off their new season with a home game against Sacred Heart on Wednesday. The Huskies have three big nonconference matches in December - against Baylor, Gonzaga and Texas.