Hurley Mocks Izzo’s Excuses Before Clash!

Hurley Mocks Izzo’s Excuses Before Clash!

UConn coach Dan Hurley is known for his fiery personality, and he’s not afraid to have a little fun, even with fellow legendary coaches. Ahead of a big game against Tom Izzo’s Michigan State Spartans, Hurley sent a playful jab to Izzo via voice memo, poking fun at the Michigan State coach’s tendency to find excuses. The Huskies and Spartans were set to tip off late, at 9:45 PM, and Hurley used the late start to tease Izzo.

Hurley admitted he’s a big fan of voice memos, preferring them over texting. He sent one to Izzo late last night, around 11:45 PM.

In the memo, Hurley joked, “Yo, my man, you know it’s going to be like halftime right now. Get up and run around your house or something.” This was a lighthearted dig, suggesting Izzo might be looking for reasons to explain a potential loss.

Late Starts No Problem for UConn

The late tip-off time for the Michigan State game was a point of discussion. Many viewers, including Hurley himself, wondered why games don’t often start earlier.

However, Hurley made it clear that for his UConn Huskies, the late start is not a concern. In fact, he believes their recent schedule has them perfectly prepared for it.

Hurley explained that UConn has already played several late games, including the last game of the first round in Philadelphia, which didn’t start until 10:30 PM. He recalled still coaching until 1:00 AM that night.

Then, their second-round game began at 9:00 PM. These experiences have adjusted the Huskies’ body clocks.

“Our body clocks are absolutely adjusted and ready to go,” Hurley stated. “We’ve already played these late, late games.” He also pointed out that UConn played a late game in the semifinals of the Big East tournament. This consistent exposure to later game times means the Huskies will not be hindered by the 9:45 PM start against Michigan State.

The Art of the Excuse

Hurley’s playful jab at Izzo touched on a common observation in college basketball: coaches often find ways to explain away potential shortcomings, even before a game starts. Hurley humorously asked, “Who isn’t sprinkling in some level of excuses beforehand?” He then challenged anyone to name a coach who doesn’t do this.

This lighthearted banter between coaches highlights the intense pressure and competitive nature of the sport. While Izzo is a respected figure in coaching, Hurley’s comments suggest a familiarity and comfort level that allows for such teasing. It also shows Hurley’s confidence in his team’s ability to perform, regardless of external factors like game times.

Looking Ahead

The game between UConn and Michigan State was anticipated as a significant matchup. With Hurley’s Huskies showing no signs of being fazed by a late start, they appeared ready to bring their A-game. The Huskies have proven they can handle late-night battles, thanks to their demanding tournament schedule.

The focus now shifts to the court. Will Izzo’s team be able to overcome the late hour, or will UConn’s familiarity with it give them an edge? Regardless of the outcome, Hurley’s pre-game message to Izzo added an extra layer of intrigue to an already exciting contest.

Source: Dan Hurley's sending Tom Izzo a voice memo 😅🎙️ (YouTube)