UConn men’s basketball Coach Dan Hurley’s latest antics with the officials were caught on broadcast cameras Tuesday night, when the Huskies outlasted Butler in overtime to win their 15th straight game at the XL Center in Hartford.
The veteran coach, who led the Huskies back-to-back national championships over the past two seasons, has become known for letting officials know exactly how he feels. Tuesday night was no different, but Hurley’s choice words to a manager became an instant viral moment on social media.
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley watches from the sideline as they take on the Butler Bulldogs at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on January 21, 2025 in Storrs, Connecticut. (David Butler II-Imagn Images)
Late in the first half, with UConn leading by 10, Hurley approached a referee after feeling a foul should have been called on a defensive rebound attempt.
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However, as Hurley pleaded his case, the official turned his back on the coach. That’s when the show picked up on Hurley’s epic one-liner.
“Don’t turn your back on me, I’m the best coach in the damn sport.”
Hurley did not deny making the remark in his postgame statement, explaining that he was looking for more “communication” from officials.
“Did I say that,” Hurley replied with a smirk. “Oh, yeah. I’m going to sound like an asshole here – I want some level of communication too.”
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley watches from the sideline as they take on the Butler Bulldogs at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on January 21, 2025 in Storrs, Connecticut. (David Butler II-Imagn Images)
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Hurley went further to defend himself, adding that his interaction with authorities is not unique, but his camera time is.
“I just wish they would put the camera on the other coach more,” he continued. “I just wish they would show these other coaches who are losing their minds to officials from other countries. Grand Est Games that I coach where I watch – during a timeout where I don’t talk to the officials. I see the other coaches as demonstrative as me.
“But the camera, obviously – I created it for myself. I’m not the victim. I just wish they didn’t have the camera on me 90% of the time. Unless they don’t want his driving notes and more –holes on Twitter who can put clips of me from a game and they. [can say] “Look what a monster he is. He yells at a referee again. What a monster.'”
Alex Karaban, #11 of the Connecticut Huskies, reacts after scoring and being fouled during overtime of an NCAA basketball game at the XL Center on January 21, 2025 in Hartford, Connecticut. The Huskies beat the Bulldogs 80-78 in overtime. (Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)
UConn had won 28 straight at home before a Saturday loss to Creighton, but they bounced back Tuesday thanks to the performance of Solo Ball, who scored a career-high 23 points in the 80-78 overtime victory. on Butler.
