“I was jealous” UConn’s HC Dan Hurley Reveals Jealousy for Duke Over Cooper Flagg

Dan Hurley Admits Jealousy Over Cooper Flagg Choosing Duke Over UConn

In the high-stakes world of college basketball recruiting, few prospects have generated as much buzz as Cooper Flagg — the versatile, 6-foot-9 phenom from Maine widely considered the top player in the Class of 2024. And for UConn head coach Dan Hurley, missing out on Flagg to rival blue blood Duke still stings. In a recent candid interview, Hurley pulled back the curtain on his recruitment of Flagg, revealing not only the full-court press he and his staff applied, but also a genuine sense of disappointment and — yes — jealousy.

“I had to cancel going to a Billy Joel concert,” Hurley joked, recounting the lengths he went to in hopes of landing Flagg. “It was one of those moments where you’re just like, ‘This could change everything.’” The UConn coach made it clear that Flagg wasn’t just another recruit — he was the recruit, a potential program-altering talent that coaches dream of building around.

Despite Hurley’s best efforts, including a highly detailed visit and a pitch centered around UConn’s recent national championship success, Flagg committed to Duke in October 2023. It was a decision that shocked few, but clearly left a mark on Hurley.

In his reflections, Hurley couldn’t help but draw a parallel to another high-profile miss from earlier in his career: Kyrie Irving. As a young high school coach in New Jersey, Hurley attempted to recruit Irving — then a rising star — to St. Benedict’s Prep. Irving ultimately chose Montclair Kimberley Academy before finishing at St. Patrick High School, and later starred at Duke. “It’s those ones you lose that stick with you the most,” Hurley admitted.

His comments weren’t bitter, but rather, refreshingly honest. Hurley acknowledged how easy it is as a coach to get wrapped up in the “what ifs” — how different things might look had Flagg chosen UConn over Duke. “You spend time imagining what your team would look like with a kid like Cooper,” he said. “And yeah, when he ends up at a place like Duke, it’s hard not to feel a little envious.”

Still, Hurley’s competitive edge remained evident. He ended his remarks with a message that blended both respect and challenge: “Cooper, appreciate you. Hope you have a great year. Hope to beat you in the Final Four next year.”

That potential matchup now looms large as one of the most tantalizing storylines in college basketball. Duke, led by Flagg, and UConn, still reigning champions and powered by Hurley’s fiery leadership, could very well meet on the sport’s biggest stage — a possibility that would bring Hurley’s “jealousy” full circle.

Ultimately, Hurley’s remarks serve as a reminder of how personal recruiting can become. Behind every commitment are relationships, dreams, and, sometimes, a little bit of heartbreak. For Hurley, Flagg was more than a target — he was a game-changer that slipped away. And while the loss may still sting, there’s no doubt the UConn coach will use it as fuel.