Dan Hurley lists UConn’s concerns despite astounding exhibition win vs Rhode Island
Dan Hurley and the UConn Huskies looked sharp in their exhibition game against the Rhode Island Rams yesterday. While the reigning national champions notched an impressive 102-75 victory, Hurley highlighted some concerns that need to be addressed in the few weeks left before the start of the 2024-25 season.
The Huskies recorded 41 rebounds in the game, just one more than the Rams. While their rebounds were two more than their 38.7 average from last season, the Rams' 40 rebounds were almost 10 more than the Huskies' opponent average of 30.7, which could be a reason why Hurley saw this as a concern.
Hurley addressed the media alongside the top Huskies performers from the game, Aidan Mahaney and Solo Ball, in the postgame press conference. During the conference, he voiced his concerns on his team's rebounding and tendency to commit fouls, believing they need to be taken care of ahead of the upcoming season.
"We did well," said Hurley. "We knew we'd come in and do well, particularly offensively. But, some of the things are concerning about the team. The rebounding. I guess, fouling has also become a thing. But, we'll clean that up.
"I, for the most part, liked what we looked like, with the exception of rebounding, which was not typical of who we are, and we will not look like that moving forward, I promise you that."
Dan Hurley enjoys his return to Rhode Island
Before making a name for himself at Storrs, Dan Hurley led the Rhode Island Rams for six seasons. He took them to March Madness in his last two seasons, with their 2017 NCAA Tournament appearance being the first in nearly two decades.
Following the Huskies' victory over the Rams, Hurley appreciated Rhode Island fans for the love he received.
"It's special for me just to share the court with Rhode Island, and to share the arena with Rhode Island fans and people," Hurley said. "I got so much love for the place and the people, so thank you."
The Huskies looked strong offensively against the Rams, with Ball top-scoring for the team with 18 points. Mahaney finished with 17 points, while Alex Karaban recorded 13 points and eight rebounds.
The Huskies will begin their national championship for the second season in a row with a home game against the Sacred Heart Pioneers on November 6.