Facing Familiar Foes: Dan Hurley Coaching Against URI on Monday

Dan Hurley was the Head Coach for the University of Rhode Island from 2012-2018 prior to joining the UConn Huskies. Hurley had a record of 113-82 with the Rams, making the NCAA Tournament twice during his tenure (2017 & 2018). Hurley is very close with URI Head Coach, Archie Miller, saying, "I've got a lot of respect for Arch, the way he coaches, the way he gets his kids to play."

In this New England Rivarly, UConn is 77-68 versus URI with their last matchup being a win for the Huskies 87-76 in 2000. The game will be played on a neutral site at Mohegan Sun Arena. A good spot for both Huskies and Rams fans to come together and watch college basketball in October. Hurley noted on Sunday that he would like to play more games at Mohegan Sun, but added how it may be difficult to do so already splitting home games at Gampel Pavilion and the XL Center.

During camp for the Huskies Dan Hurley said that some players were banged up heading into Monday's Exhibition Game, but nothing signifigant. He also said how he was unsure of the starting lineup. UConn lost four starters to the NBA Draft during the offseason, so it will be interesting to see who gets to start. One potential lineup to be on the lookout for is Hassan Diarra, Solo Ball, Alex Karaban, Jaylin Stewart, and Samson Johnson.

One of the goals Hurley has for this matchup against URI is that he wants to see his players grow, "We won't look like Phoenix" Hurley said "we are a work in progress right now." This is a perfect oppurtunity for the Huskies to find their mold and pick up where they left off.

Although, winning is the end result, finding those opportunities to teach players in the moment will be beneficial for the Huskies in the long run. They have five newcomers on the team with three of them being transfers. It will be interesting to see their roles on Monday. Hurley had high praise for both Aidan Mahaney and Liam McNeeley on Sunday. Hurley said McNeeley is "a really advanced, mature offensive player" and only being a Freshman, Hurley believes he can be consistent. For Mahaney, Hurley mentioned that the Junior transfer "has started to playing his best basketball as we've gotten closer to the opening" he also added that there are some some adjustments that are needed but that is the point of this type of exhibition game.

Dan Hurley closed the presser with, "It's nice to be able to have an opening night type of feel, get that out of the way, so that when we play the opener, maybe they'll have that out of their system." Monday night's Exhibition game between the Huskies and Rams is a great sign that college basketball is right around the corner.