UConn Coach Dan Hurley Refocuses Huskies: 'Here for Ring, Not Watch'

Huskies head coach emphasizes championship focus after NCAA Tournament heroics

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:35pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the intense action and competition of a college basketball game, with the contrasting colors and sharp lines conveying the high-stakes nature of the Final Four matchup.Hurley's Huskies and Underwood's Illini clash in a high-stakes Final Four battle, with both teams driven by championship aspirations.Today in Pittsburgh

UConn men's basketball coach Dan Hurley is keeping his team focused on winning a national championship, not just making the Final Four, as the Huskies prepare to face Illinois in the national semifinals. Hurley praised his team's buzzer-beating win over Duke to reach the Final Four, but stressed that UConn doesn't hang banners for Final Four appearances - they only celebrate national titles.

Why it matters

UConn is one of college basketball's most successful programs, with four national championships. Hurley is emphasizing the team's championship pedigree and pushing them to finish the job after reaching the Final Four, rather than being satisfied with just making it that far.

The details

After UConn's dramatic win over Duke to reach the Final Four, Hurley brought the team back to reality in practice, lighting into freshman Braylon Mullins to send a message about staying focused on the ultimate goal of winning a national title. Hurley recalled the bizarre circumstances of the COVID-era NCAA Tournament in 2020, when teams were confined to their hotel rooms, but said UConn isn't looking back - they're here to win a championship ring, not just receive a commemorative watch.

  • UConn defeated Duke on a last-second 3-pointer by Braylon Mullins on Sunday, March 26, 2026.
  • The Huskies will face Illinois in the Final Four on Saturday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn men's basketball team, leading the Huskies to the Final Four in 2026.

Braylon Mullins

A freshman guard for UConn who hit the game-winning 3-pointer to defeat Duke and send the Huskies to the Final Four.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not trying to keep focused on that.”

— Braylon Mullins, UConn Freshman Guard

“We got loose in the yard. All the teams were circling each other. It was bizarre. Listen, everyone from that — if you did great in that tournament, you deserve all the credit. If it went bad for you, and I'm not just saying that because it went bad for us, but you should get a pass. That was a mess.”

— Dan Hurley, UConn Head Coach

“I couldn't come in on Monday like a cold damp blanket and just start destroying people on Monday. That just would have been a cruel thing to do to people's spirit after such an incredible victory. But Tuesday you've just got to bring everybody back to reality. The reality is that moment is over. It's an incredible moment. You'll have that moment the rest of your life. But we came here for rings, not watches. Everyone that comes to the Final Four gets a beautiful watch, but only one group is going to get a ring.”

— Dan Hurley, UConn Head Coach

What’s next

UConn will face Illinois in the Final Four on Saturday, April 5, 2026, with the winner advancing to the national championship game.

The takeaway

Dan Hurley's message to his UConn team is clear - they have accomplished a lot by reaching the Final Four, but their ultimate goal is to win a national championship. Hurley is keeping his players focused on the task at hand and not letting them get distracted by the hype and excitement of the tournament run.