Dan Hurley provides rare insights into UConn’s scrimmage strategies: “You’re leaning into having some adversities”
Unlike UNC and Alabama, coach Dan Hurley's UConn holds closed scrimmages each year before the season starts. While it does not include showmanship and entertainment like other programs, there are no loose ends when it comes to competitiveness.
Dan Hurley gave insights into the team's focus for these practices. He highlighted that due to the lack of a personnel-oriented game plan, the players are directed to emphasize more on the fundamental aspects of the game.
"You talk some about personnel, you're actually kind of leaning into having some adversity in close scrimmages," Hurley shared with Storrs Central. "It's not the same as a game.
"We rely heavily on scouting and game planning in our preparation, how we set up our defense for opponents, setting up our offense for opponents and really dialing into a personal game plan.
"There's none of that for close scrimmages, and there's none of that for out the exhibition. I think our mindset right now is like we're so consumed with ourselves and our offense, our defense, our rebounding, kind of out fundamentals, and building a tougher team." (1:22)
The Huskies are currently preparing for their Monday's exhibition showdown against Rhode Island in Uncasville. It is UConn's most-played opponent to date, with 140 contests held since the 1906-07 season.
Fans can meet Dan Hurley’s crew on Oct. 18
UConn basketball will be hosting the First Night event on Friday in light of highlighting the men’s and women’s basketball rosters before the 2024-25 season. The student-focused night is a free event where season ticket holders and athletic fund donors can claim a limited number of seats.
The event begins with a block party outside the Gampel Pavilion, where students and the general public can immerse themselves in live DJs, carnival games, food trucks and photo booths.
After the introduction of Dan Hurley and Geno Auriemma's rosters, fans will get to witness the teams through a co-ed 3-point contest, a full-court game and a 5v5 matchup between the women’s and men’s teams. Fans present in the arena will also be handed a chance to win plenty of prizes throughout the night.
Like the exhibition game against Rhode Island, the event can be streamed on UConn+.