UConn basketball schedule: 3 takeaways as Dan Hurley gears up for third national title

For Dan Hurley and UConn, the question for 2025-26 is a simple one: are we back? Yes, for UConn, "back" means more than just OK. After all, the Huskies won the 2023 and 2024 NCAA Tournament titles.

But last season was different. UConn's 11 losses in 2024-25 matched the combined total of the previous two years. And a second-round exit was a downer.

But of course, that was Florida that the Huskies lost to — and the eventual champions held UConn off by two points. But for Hurley and Co., the next step will be moving back to title contention. Is 2025-26 the year? Here's an early peak behind the curtain of UConn.

Three UConn takeaways for 2025-26

Silas Demary from Georgia should be a significant addition for the Huskies. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

1.The Huskies have the most talent in the Big East

Yes, Rick Pitino's St. John's team threatened that position. But Pitino has disavowed high school recruiting and ended up basically treading water in the transfer portal. The Huskies are the only team that added both significant freshman and transfer signees, and that talent disparity will make a big difference on the court next season.

UConn has three returning starters, a luxury that St. John's could never hope for in its current portal-heavy incarnation, along with a legitimate five-star recruit in Braylon Mullins. The Huskies have a talent edge.

2. 3-point shooting has been addressed.

A year ago, the Huskies were 129th in the NCAA in 3-point shooting percentage at a respectable but hardly alarming 34.8%. That number will improve next year. Solo Ball and his 41% clip returned, as did Alex Karaban's 35%.

Georgia transfer Silas Demary was a 37% shooter and freshman Braylon Mullins could be a 40%+ shooter. Getting bombed from 3-point range won't be happening again for UConn.

Interestingly, the 3-point trend isn't just on one side of the ball. Last year, the Huskies were 277th in 3-point defense, as their opponents shot 35% from long range. That was the biggest departure, and Hurley's influx of athletic wing players should have an effect on the defensive side of the ball — which might be an even bigger deal than making shots on offense.

3. The big guys will probably determine just how back UConn ultimately is

Plenty of hoop analysts last year noted that without Donovan Clingan, UConn suddenly looked surprisingly human. And it's true, the massive center superintended the two title runs and hit the NBA. While there's no one replacement for Clingan, UConn is better prepared for battle inside than it was last year.

Returnee Tarris Reed (9.6 ppg, 7.3 rpg) is a solid part of an impressive group. Jaylin Stewart is also a returnee and incoming recruit Eric Reibe could help in the post. While several of the players are returnees, they're a year more experienced in the low post battle, which could make a big difference for the Huskies.

What do you think about UConn's upcoming team? Share your take below in our comments section!