It’s no secret that UConn basketball is good again. Dan Hurley has completed his infinity gauntlet by bringing the Huskies back atop the Big East mountain. He now has a National Championship, a Big East Regular Season Title, and with last night’s victory, a Big East Tournament Title.

While this may seem like an incredible feat for any coach, what Huley has done at UConn is beyond impressive. When Hurley was hired, Connecticut Men’s Basketball had reached a low not seen in decades. In 2017-2018, Connecticut was 14-18 under then Head Coach Kevin Ollie, their first losing record since 1986, Jim Calhoun’s first year. UConn had back-to-back sub-20-win seasons in Ollie’s last two seasons, the first time since 1985/1986.

Beyond this, UConn was in basketball purgatory, the American Athletic Conference. Hurley was taking over a UConn program that was arguably the lowest in its history. In Hurley’s first year, 2017-2018, the Huskies finished 16-17. They missed the tournament the following year but increased their win total to 19.

In 2020-2021, the Huskies joined the Big East and haven’t looked back since. Besides the 15-8 COVID season, UConn has won 23, 31, and 30 games. Three straight NCAA tournament appearances, and a fourth clinched last night.

Hurley is crossing off a bunch of “first since”’s on his way to the tournament this season:

⁃ First time being #1 in the AP Poll since 2008

⁃ First Big East Regular Season title since 2004

⁃ First Big East Tournament Championship since 2011

⁃ Their First #1 seed since 2009

Now Hurleys’ Huskies look to be the “first since” Florida in 2006/2007 to become back-to-back National Champions. With Purdue and Houston losing, UConn looks to be the favorite for the overall #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. With their success in the Big East this year, I think it’s fair to say UConn is ALL the way back.