UConn's Dan Hurley Discusses Tough Transfer Portal Decisions

Huskies coach opens up on replacing key departures and rebuilding the roster for next season

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:18am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic action of a college basketball game, with sharp planes of UConn's blue and white colors contrasting against their opponent's hues, representing the complex challenges facing the Huskies as they reconstruct their roster for next season.UConn's roster rebuild through the transfer portal will require a strategic, multi-faceted approach to replace key departures and rebuild for another championship run.Boston Today

UConn head coach Dan Hurley spoke about the challenges of navigating the transfer portal this offseason, including the departures of center Taris Reed Jr. and reserve big man Eric Reibe. Hurley praised Reibe's contributions and said he'll be rooting for him wherever he lands, but acknowledged the team now faces a serious hole in the frontcourt with the losses of both players. The coach also discussed the search for a new assistant coach after Luke Murray left for the Boston College head coaching job.

Why it matters

UConn is coming off a championship game appearance, but the Huskies will have to rebuild parts of their roster through the transfer portal after losing key contributors. Hurley's comments provide insight into the difficult decisions coaches face in managing their rosters and replacing departing players, especially at critical positions like center.

The details

Hurley spoke about the departure of Eric Reibe, a reserve center who started in place of the injured Taris Reed Jr. earlier this season. Reibe has entered the transfer portal, leaving a hole in the Huskies' frontcourt alongside Reed's graduation. Hurley praised Reibe as a 'soldier and a warrior' and said he'll be rooting for him wherever he ends up. The coach also acknowledged the team is now in a 'different spot' after losing both Reibe and Reed. However, there may be good news on the horizon, as Seton Hall's Najai Hines is reportedly scheduled to visit UConn and could emerge as a candidate to fill the void at center.

  • UConn lost the championship game to Michigan one week ago.
  • Eric Reibe entered the transfer portal after the season.

The players

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn men's basketball team.

Eric Reibe

A reserve center for UConn who started in place of the injured Taris Reed Jr. earlier in the season.

Taris Reed Jr.

A key starting center for UConn who graduated after this past season.

Jayden Ross

A UConn player who decided to return to the team for next season after entering the transfer portal.

Najai Hines

A 6-foot-10, 265-pound center from Seton Hall who is reportedly scheduled to visit UConn and could be a candidate to transfer and fill the void in the Huskies' frontcourt.

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What they’re saying

“Eric was a soldier and a warrior for us. He saved us in the non-conference. He played great. He's gonna have a great career no matter where he goes. He's one of my favorite guys I've coached, and I've got nothing but great things to say about Eric, and that I'll be rooting for him.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Men's Basketball

“It's definitely a challenge. We felt like we had that person groomed to take over, and now we're in a different spot. It's the nature of it.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Men's Basketball

“I drag my feet on that, because I'm just very careful about who I'm going to bring into the circle, and I'm gonna take my time on that.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Men's Basketball

What’s next

Hurley said he is not against potentially hiring a former head coach as a UConn assistant to replace Luke Murray, who left to become the head coach at Boston College.

The takeaway

Hurley and the UConn coaching staff face significant roster turnover this offseason, with the departures of starting center Taris Reed Jr. and reserve big man Eric Reibe leaving a major hole in the frontcourt. The coach praised Reibe's contributions but acknowledged the team is now in a 'different spot' and must find a way to replace that production through the transfer portal.