Dan Hurley Not Happy With 'Unhealthy' Problem In College Hoops

28/03/2024 02:04

UConn's Dan Hurley is a national championship-winning head coach who has his team in prime position to repeat in the NCAA Tournament, but he says that one problem with college basketball is bothering him.

Hurley has been outspoken on his dislike of the transfer portal being open during the NCAA Tournament, and he's also said that he doesn't think it's in players' best interest to transfer multiple times in their careers.

"I don't think it's healthy for players to change schools like underwear," Hurley said about the portal.

UConn has transfers on the roster, including leading scorer Tristan Newton, who played at East Carolina before joining the Huskies. 

Former Rutgers and Loyola (MD) player Cam Spencer has also been a star for UConn this season.

Still, Hurley says that players changing schools haphazardly can work against them rather than in their favor.

"I just think it's bad for kids. Your college you go to, the staff you play for becomes your network for life," Hurley said ahead of the NCAA Tournament.

"The group of people that will help create opportunities for you for the entirety of your life, your support system."

Hurley says that players who end up playing for four and five schools in their careers are like "mercenaries."

"You have no base in life," he added.

Hurley and the Huskies are in Boston, where they're likely to have a great deal of support for their Sweet Sixteen game on Thursday night against San Diego State.

UConn will face the Aztecs in a rematch of last season's national title game, but this time a spot in the Elite Eight is on the line.

The winner of Thursday's matchup will face either Illinois or Iowa State on Saturday for the East regional title and a spot in this year's Final Four in Arizona.