Hurley Discusses Transfer Portal, 'UConn Way' During Coaches Road Show
University of Connecticut men's basketball coach Dan Hurley was among one of the many coaches at the Coaches Road Show Southington stop on Monday, May 23. After another fantastic season, Hurley spoke with the media about the season, the transfer portal and the “UConn Way.”
Being able to attend the coaches event and engage with fans was most impactful for Hurley.
“[We] get to interact and spend a little time with [UConn fans], and even spend time with some of the other coaches. We don’t really get a chance to do a whole lot of that,” Hurley said.
The men’s basketball team went to the first round of the NCAA Division I championship and fell to New Mexico State, but had a great season that led them to the championship appearance. Guard and graduate student, R.J. Cole was the team leader in points and assists with 15.8 and 4.1, respectively.
As Hurley returns in the fall to do it all again and hopefully return to another championship, he has the opportunity to pick the mind of another like-minded, well-respected coach: UConn head football coach Jim Mora.
“I’ve got so much respect, for me, for football coaches because of what they put into the job. They’re a different breed in terms of work ethic and mentality,” Hurley said. “Being so process-driven, I feel like if there was another sport I’d be able to coach, it probably would be football.”
Hurley also touched on how commitment and teamwork are vital for not just football success, but for all sports.
One of the biggest offseason additions to the UConn team is Hassan Diarra, a former Texas A&M guard. Diarra is the younger brother of Mamadou Diarra, a graduate assistant on Hurley’s staff for the past two years.
Diarra transferred to UConn as a junior with two years of eligibility remaining and hopes to make the most of it. Diarra averaged 6.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists during the 2021-2022 season. He also appeared in all 40 games.
“He adds a lot. Obviously, we (have) a great deal of familiarity with him. Just my type of guard. He’s tough he’s confident. He can create off the dribble. The way that we try to play, that’s what I ask my guards to do,” Hurley said.
Because the team lost a few talented seniors, Hurley knows that Diarra will have a huge role on the team.
Hurley touched on the importance of the “UConn Way,” something athletes, faculty, students and staff alike know. For Mora, he would be acquainted with this idea in the fall.
Hurley said, “I think that the UConn Way is the striving. The striving for the highest possible level of achievement. The history and tradition that’s surrounded by it; not just basketball, but all sports is just impressive what the athletic department has been able to do year in and year out beyond just basketball.”
