UConn’s Dan Hurley ‘Impressed’ By Oklahoma, Says ‘You See What They’re Capable Of’

In college basketball, there are moments when a team’s potential shines through, even in the face of adversity or against a daunting opponent. For the UConn Huskies, this is a theme that has been prevalent throughout the 2024-2025 season, a season marked by impressive performances and incredible growth under the leadership of head coach Dan Hurley. However, even though UConn has been a powerhouse in recent years, another team has caught Hurley’s attention: the Oklahoma Sooners.

Oklahoma’s men’s basketball program is often regarded as one of the teams with great potential but occasionally inconsistent results. However, their recent performance against UConn left a lasting impression on Hurley, who spoke candidly about his thoughts on the team and their bright future. This moment exemplifies how college basketball can be unpredictable, and how a team’s strengths can often go unnoticed until the right circumstances shine a light on them.

This article will explore the nature of Hurley’s praise for Oklahoma, diving into the tactical aspects of the Sooners’ playstyle, their key players, and the long-term prospects for the program. Additionally, it will highlight the significance of Hurley’s comments, exploring how a seasoned coach like him views potential in young, developing programs, and what that might mean for Oklahoma’s trajectory going forward.

The UConn Huskies: A Powerhouse in College Basketball

Before delving into Hurley’s thoughts on Oklahoma, it’s essential to understand the context in which his praise came. The UConn Huskies have been a dominant force in college basketball for the past few years. Under Dan Hurley’s leadership, UConn secured the 2024 NCAA Championship, defeating a strong opponent in the final game. Hurley, known for his intense coaching style and strategic acumen, has helped elevate the Huskies into one of the premier programs in the nation.

UConn’s success isn’t just limited to their national championship win. Hurley’s system focuses on defense, quick transitions, and a balanced offensive attack. UConn has been a tough matchup for any team, especially in the Big East, where they compete against powerhouse teams such as Villanova, Creighton, and Marquette. The Huskies’ talent runs deep, with multiple players expected to be high draft picks, and their style of play continues to garner attention.

But despite UConn’s dominance, Hurley hasn’t been blind to the strengths of other programs. In fact, his attention to detail and respect for competition has allowed him to see the potential in teams that others might overlook. This was especially evident when he made remarks about Oklahoma’s team earlier in the season.

Oklahoma Basketball: A Team on the Rise

Oklahoma has had its ups and downs in recent years, particularly since the departure of long-time coach Lon Kruger. The Sooners have gone through a rebuilding phase, trying to find their identity under new leadership. In recent seasons, the team has been caught in a delicate balance between maintaining competitive play in the Big 12 while also focusing on long-term development.

However, Oklahoma is a team that can often catch opponents off guard. With a mix of experienced players and talented newcomers, the Sooners have the tools to be competitive against top-tier teams in the NCAA. Despite their inconsistent results, they have shown flashes of brilliance and the ability to challenge the best. Hurley’s comments about the Sooners weren’t just the result of one game or one standout player. Instead, they were a recognition of the overall potential and chemistry the team could develop over time.

Oklahoma’s roster has been a blend of key players who can make an impact on both ends of the floor. Players like Grant Sherfield and Jalen Hill have been pivotal in guiding the team through some challenging moments. These individuals have helped Oklahoma compete in a conference known for its tough competition and high level of basketball IQ. When Hurley spoke about Oklahoma’s capabilities, he wasn’t just talking about their individual players, but about how those players could come together as a cohesive unit, capable of achieving much more.

Dan Hurley’s Impressions of Oklahoma: What Stood Out?

When Dan Hurley made his comments about Oklahoma, he was clear in stating that he was “impressed” by the team. One of the key aspects that caught his attention was the balance Oklahoma displayed on both offense and defense. While UConn’s system is known for its defensive intensity, Hurley couldn’t help but admire the way the Sooners approached their own defensive schemes. They were aggressive, athletic, and quick to adapt to the flow of the game—qualities Hurley knows will serve a team well in a high-pressure environment like March Madness.

On the offensive side of the ball, Hurley acknowledged the Sooners’ potential to score from multiple positions. Their versatility allowed them to stretch the floor and make it difficult for opponents to key in on one particular player. In the game against UConn, the Sooners demonstrated a strong passing game, finding open shooters and cutting to the basket with purpose. This unselfish play was something Hurley appreciated, as it showcased the kind of team-first mentality that often leads to success on the big stage.

While UConn has its own set of stars—players like Adama Sanogo and Jordan Hawkins, who were critical to the Huskies’ national title run—Hurley recognized that Oklahoma has the pieces in place to also build a deep, multi-dimensional squad. He emphasized that while the Sooners had their flaws, they had everything necessary to challenge top programs and surprise opponents with their ability to execute in all facets of the game.

For Hurley, the takeaway was simple: Oklahoma is a team with immense potential, capable of much more than just being competitive. He saw them as a squad that, with the right coaching, development, and a few pieces falling into place, could be a real contender. Hurley’s recognition of this potential was a testament to his coaching philosophy—he understands that even the most unpredictable teams have the ability to rise to the occasion and prove themselves when it matters most.

Oklahoma’s Strengths: What Hurley Sees in the Sooners

To understand Hurley’s praise, it’s important to break down some of the key aspects of Oklahoma’s play that might have impressed him.

1. Defensive Versatility: As mentioned, Oklahoma’s defense is a major strength. Hurley is a coach who places a significant emphasis on defensive fundamentals, and he would have recognized that the Sooners are built to disrupt offensive flows. They are fast, aggressive, and employ a variety of schemes to keep opponents on their toes. Oklahoma’s ability to switch defenses and apply full-court pressure likely caught Hurley’s eye.
2. Offensive Balance: Oklahoma’s offense has the right mix of ball movement and individual scoring threats. Whether it’s a fast break or a set play, the Sooners have several options at their disposal. The team’s ability to stretch the floor and create mismatches with their big men in the post and shooters on the perimeter gives them a dangerous offensive game plan.
3. Coaching Potential: The leadership of Oklahoma’s coaching staff, led by head coach Porter Moser, is another factor that likely resonated with Hurley. Moser has had a solid coaching career and has shown the ability to get the most out of his players. Hurley recognizes that strong leadership at the top is often the difference between good teams and great ones. Oklahoma’s continued growth under Moser’s guidance indicates that the team could make significant strides in the coming years.
4. Team Chemistry: One of the most important elements in any successful program is team chemistry. Hurley often speaks about how a team’s togetherness can elevate them beyond their individual talent. The Sooners have a collective identity that centers around defense and hustle, but also an ability to share the ball and involve everyone in the offense. Hurley would see this as a sign of great potential, as it’s a trait often seen in championship-level teams.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Oklahoma?

The question that naturally follows Hurley’s comments is: What does this mean for Oklahoma’s future? Based on his impressions, Hurley sees a program that is on the cusp of something special. While UConn remains an elite program, Hurley’s perspective shows that there is respect for Oklahoma’s capabilities, and that the Sooners could eventually break through as a major contender in college basketball.

For Oklahoma, this recognition from a coach of Hurley’s stature serves as validation for the work that has been put in by the coaching staff and players alike. If the Sooners continue to improve and develop, there’s no reason why they can’t challenge for a Big 12 title or even make a deep run in the NCAA tournament in the near future.

As the season progresses, Oklahoma will continue to build on its strengths while addressing areas for improvement. With a mix of experienced players and incoming talent, the Sooners have the foundation to turn Hurley’s praise into tangible success.

Dan Hurley’s admiration for Oklahoma is a reflection of the growing respect the Sooners are garnering in the college basketball world. As one of the top coaches in the nation, Hurley’s insight into what makes a team successful is invaluable. His recognition of Oklahoma’s potential should not be taken lightly, as it signals that the Sooners have the tools to be a competitive force moving forward.

In college basketball, success is often defined by how well a team adapts to challenges, embraces their identity, and executes their strategy on the court. Hurley’s comments suggest that Oklahoma is on the right path, and with continued growth, they could soon become one of the premier programs in the NCAA. For Oklahoma, the future is bright, and the challenge will be to prove that they can live up to their potential and make their mark on the national stage.