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Butler Today
By the People, for the People
Butler Basketball Struggles Amid Lack of Resources, Coach Says
Bulldogs' Thad Matta among Big East's best, but needs more support, UConn's Dan Hurley argues
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Years ago, the Butler and UConn basketball teams were at the top of college basketball, with Butler playing in its second consecutive national championship game and UConn in its third. However, the programs have since taken opposite trajectories, with UConn continuing to thrive while Butler faces challenges due to a perceived lack of resources, according to Butler coach Thad Matta's peer, UConn's Dan Hurley.
Why it matters
The diverging fortunes of these two prominent college basketball programs highlight the importance of resources and support for sustaining success at the highest levels of the sport. Butler's struggles raise questions about the challenges mid-major programs face in keeping up with powerhouses like UConn.
The details
Butler, once led by Brad Stevens and stars like Gordon Hayward and Shelvin Mack, reached back-to-back national championship games. But since then, the program has failed to maintain that level of success, with UConn continuing to thrive under coach Dan Hurley. Hurley believes Matta, one of the Big East's best coaches, needs greater institutional support and resources to compete with the top programs.
- Years ago, Butler and UConn were both playing in national championship games.
The players
Thad Matta
The head coach of the Butler basketball team, who is considered one of the best coaches in the Big East conference.
Dan Hurley
The head coach of the UConn basketball team, who believes Matta needs more resources to compete with top programs.
Brad Stevens
The former head coach of the Butler basketball team, who led them to back-to-back national championship games.
Gordon Hayward
A former star player for the Butler basketball team who played during their back-to-back national championship game appearances.
Shelvin Mack
A former star player for the Butler basketball team who played during their back-to-back national championship game appearances.
What they’re saying
“Thad Matta is among the best, but his peer thinks he needs greater help.”
— Dan Hurley, UConn Head Coach (indystar.com)
The takeaway
The diverging fortunes of Butler and UConn basketball programs highlight the importance of resources and support for sustaining success at the highest levels of college sports. Butler's struggles raise questions about the challenges mid-major programs face in keeping up with powerhouses, even when they have top-tier coaching talent like Thad Matta.
