UConn’s Continued Dominance and Future Outlook
The UConn Huskies claimed their second consecutive National Championship on Monday night, completing a historic run that broke the record for best point differential in NCAA Tournament history. Coach Dan Hurley’s squad also became the first back-to-back champions since the 2006-2007 Florida Gators, and only the eighth team in men’s tournament history to accomplish this feat. Dan Hurley stated in his speech on the podium post-game, “UConn’s been running–for the last 25-30 years, UConn’s been running college basketball. I see all the former champs over there, let’s go!” With all eyes currently on the Huskies, it’ll be quite fascinating to watch the quest for the three-peat next season.
After their dominance in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, UConn lost five of their top eight scorers to a mix of the draft and transfer portal. Guards Jordan Hawkins and Andre Jackson Jr. were both drafted in the 2023 NBA Draft, while Joey Calcaterra and the leading scorer from last year Adama Sanogo went undrafted and are in the G-League. Guard Nahiem Alleyne transferred to St. Johns. Only two starters remained in Tristen Newton and Alex Karaban, and the Huskies were forced to rely on some younger talent. The fact that they were able to one-up their level of dominance from last year to this year demonstrates the program that Dan Hurley has built over the past several years at UConn. Center Donovan Clingan began to blossom last season as a freshman and certified himself this year as one of the nation’s premier big men. Clingan will likely be a lottery pick in the upcoming draft, as will likely one-and-done freshman Stephon Castle who starred throughout the tournament run.
Looking at next season’s potential roster, it will ultimately look vastly different from this year’s rendition. Leading scorers Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer will graduate and potentially be drafted this year. Forward Alex Karaban is the only starter who may potentially return. The Huskies have two incoming recruits in the 2024 class in four-star guard Ahmad Nowell and four-star forward Isaiah Abraham who will both likely see some immediate action. Senior guard Hassan Diarra will likely return to be one of the team’s starting guards, and freshmen Solomon Ball and Jaylin Stewart should return as well to increased roles. Dan Hurley has undoubtedly already picked up the phone to shop around for potential transfers as he has done exceptionally in the past two seasons. The potential rotation could feature as many as six new players but don’t discount the Huskies from going for that three-peat.
