Huskies Roar: Hurley Sees “This Is The Year” for Bengals

Hurley’s Huskies Ready to Strike, Bengals’ Super Bowl Dreams Reignited

The air crackles with anticipation as UConn Huskies coach Dan Hurley, fresh off a strong season and looking remarkably fit, joined The Pat McAfee Show. He brought a message of confidence, not just for his powerhouse basketball team, but also for his beloved Cincinnati Bengals. “I’m confident that this is our year. That this is going to be the year,” Hurley declared, channeling the energy of a fan and a coach ready for a championship run.

UConn’s Championship Pedigree

Hurley’s UConn squad has quietly navigated the early rounds of the NCAA tournament, winning their first two games by double figures. “We’ve shown a high ceiling. We’ve beaten some great teams,” he noted. This success builds on recent years, where the Huskies have proven their mettle in March Madness. Even in seasons where they might not have had their absolute best team, Hurley feels they’ve been well-positioned for deep runs. “Once UConn gets out of the first round of the NCAA tournament, once we get through that first weekend, a lot of times it feels like, watch out Huskies,” he explained, a sentiment that resonates widely in college basketball circles.

The Toughest Tournament Yet?

The conversation shifted to the challenging landscape of the modern NCAA tournament. With legendary coaches like Tom Izzo of Michigan State and Rick Pitino of St. John’s in the same bracket, Hurley acknowledged the difficulty. “This feels a hell of a lot more like a Final Four than it does a Sweet Sixteen,” he agreed, echoing sentiments from fellow coaches. He pointed to the impact of NIL and the transfer portal, which allow teams to quickly assemble experienced rosters. “You could load your team up in a mercenary way with grizzled veterans that are talented and ready to win,” Hurley observed, suggesting that player development and team culture might be less critical for some in this new era.

Coaches as the Stars

Despite the focus on star players, Hurley believes coaches remain the true stars of college hoops. He spoke about the camaraderie and respect among his peers, including coaches he’s looked up to for years like Izzo and Kelvin Sampson. “I’ve tried to model my program after how hard they play, how much he loves his players, but how he holds them to account and develop strong men,” Hurley said, emphasizing his commitment to old-school values in developing well-rounded individuals.

Bengals’ Super Bowl Aspirations

The discussion then turned to Hurley’s passion for the Cincinnati Bengals. While acknowledging the physical nature of the NFL, he expressed unwavering faith in quarterback Joe Burrow. “I mean, that’s why we love him. I mean, obviously you hold your gasping that the man doesn’t get hurt there,” Hurley said about Burrow’s playing style. He firmly believes this is the year for the Bengals to reach the pinnacle. “I’m confident that this is our year,” he reiterated, drawing a parallel to his coaching philosophy by mentioning his connection with Joe Burrow’s father, a former coach himself. He also confidently stated, “We’re so far ahead of the Steelers,” highlighting the Bengals’ recent division title.

Hurley’s Personal Journey

The conversation also touched on Hurley’s personal journey, including past struggles with weight. He humorously recalled times when he was significantly heavier, especially during his high school coaching days, fueled by New Jersey’s famous pizza and local delicacies. Now, at 53, he’s dedicated to a strict fitness regimen, including saunas and cold plunges, to maintain his current physique. “I’m somewhere, depending on how the season’s going, between 190 and 200,” he shared, detailing his disciplined approach to health and wellness.

Leadership on and Off the Court

Hurley also lauded UConn player Adama Sanogo, calling him a “damn good husky” and like a son to him. He praised Sanogo’s leadership and development throughout his career, culminating in a career-high performance against UCLA. “He’s been a legend. Two-time champ there. Senior on the roster right now. What kind of leader has he evolved into throughout his career and especially right now coming off a career-high against UCLA?” he was asked, to which Hurley responded with immense pride.

Embracing the Grind

When asked about late game times, Hurley dismissed any notion of excuses. Having played games that ended well past midnight, he stated, “We’re acclimated to this already playing at these horseshit times.” For Hurley and his Huskies, the focus remains squarely on performance, regardless of the clock.

Source: Dan Hurley says THIS IS THE YEAR for the Bengals! 😱 | The Pat McAfee Show (YouTube)