UCONN MEN’S BASKETBALL Back in the conversation Hurley has put the building blocks in place for UConn’s Big East return
W hen the college basketball season screeched to a stunning halt last week, UConn already had accomplished so much.
The Huskies exceeded expectations in year two of coach Dan Hurley's rebuilding process.
They won 19 games, were all but guaranteed an NIT berth, and moved within realistic striking distance of an NCAA tournament bid.
That was before concerns about the coronavirus forced the NCAA to cancel March Madness.
More importantly, they adopted a winning mindset, an intensity level, tireless work ethic and mental toughness that's been lacking in recent seasons. They also energized the fan base and gave them hope for the future.
The program is clearly on the rise as it prepares to return to the Big
East Conference next season.
Before returning home from Fort Worth, Texas after the American Athletic Conference tournament was called off last week, Hurley spoke about the message to his players.
"You guys showed as much character, resilience and toughness especially late in the season, a winning mindset, as any team I've coached," he said. "You've given as much as any team I've ever coached.
"You guys are the foundation for what's going to happen next for UConn. When programs turn (around), here three straight losing seasons, there's a team that turns and changes the fabric and mindset of the program, changes the standards. We're going to look back in five years, eight years at guys like (Christian Vital) and this particular team, especially in the last six to eight weeks but really the whole season.
"This year was about going from the last couple of years, which have been oftentimes non-competitive and then embarrassing at times, too. We started the season looking like a team that wanted to earn respect, then later in the year like a team that had earned respect from all of our opponents."
Before moving forward, here's a look at some of UConn's accomplishments:
• At 19-12, they easily finished with a winning record after stumbling through three straight losing seasons. They posted their best AAC record (10-8) since the 2015-16 season.
For the first time in seven seasons in the AAC, they finished better than league preseason projections, climbing one spot higher by earning the fifth seed.
• They were far more competitive than a year ago. They knocked off two ranked teams in Florida and Houston. That's as many wins vs. top 25 opponents as the previous four seasons combined.
Eight of their losses were by six points or less — three in double overtime, one in overtime. They had only two double digit defeats compared to six last season.
“We started the season looking like a team that wanted to earn respect, then later in the year like a team that had earned respect from all of our opponents.” DAN HURLEY, UCONN MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH
Hurley sensed his team was close to a breakthrough following one of those excruciating defeats, 61-55 at Villanova on Jan. 16. He made this statement after the game:
"We're on our way back . ... We've got an older group of guys that are going to get enough wins this year that they'll feel good about how their career ends. We've got some exciting young players that are going to help lead us back. We're going to continue to recruit and develop and bring in the type of players that will bring UConn back.
"People better get us now, that's all. You better get us now because it's coming."
A few weeks later, UConn found its groove, winning eight of its last 10.
• They beat four AAC teams that finished with winning league records. In the previous six seasons, they did that just 12 times.
• They posted their longest winning streak — five straight to end the regular season — since another fivegame unbeaten run in March 2016.
• They learned how to win tight games. After starting 2-8 in games decided by single digits, they went 5-2 down the stretch, including winning four of their last five.
-- UConn took significant steps forward while dealing with a shorthanded roster. Starters Tyler Polley and Akok Akok, the team's best perimeter shooter and top inside defensive presence, respectively, suffered season-ending injuries. The duo sat out a combined 22 games. And redshirt sophomore Sid Wilson saw limited action due to injuries and other issues.
Despite adversity being a constant companion, UConn continued to grow.
Young players like sophomore Brendan Adams and freshmen James Bouknight and Jalen Gaffney greatly benefitted from this season's experience.
Bouknight emerged a blossoming star, earning a spot on the All-AAC third team and rookie team. Gaffney, a steadying presence at point guard, started 11 of the last 12 games and finished with 30 more assists than turnovers. An improved Adams more than doubled his scoring average from his freshman season, chipping in 7.4 points per game.
While Josh Carlton faded after a strong start to the season and his overall production tailed off, fellow junior Isaiah Whaley's production soared. Whaley was easily UConn's most improved player. Filling in for the injured Akok, Whaley played the best basketball of his career, averaging 13.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in his last six games as a starter.
• And let's not forget the contributions from senior Christian Vital and redshirt junior Alterique Gilbert. Hurley called them program foundation players.
A more complete all-around player than last season, Vital carried the
Huskies at times and provided valuable leadership. He was an AAC first team selection for the first time in his career, finishing second in the league in scoring and steals.
Gilbert overcame some personal struggles and made a key contribution in a reduced role after starting the first 19 games.
UConn will return its entire roster — outside of possible transfers — with the exception of Vital and maybe Gilbert, who's on track to graduate but hasn't announced whether he'll return or not for a graduate season.
The Huskies will bring in some talented newcomers in swingman Andre Jackson and center Javonte Brown-Ferguson. Transfer R.J Cole, a scoring guard, and forward Richie Springs, who sat out as a redshirt, also will be joining the team.
More additions are likely this spring.
"Much more exciting times ahead of us," Hurley said late in the season. g.keefe@theday.com