UConn Isn’t Talking About a Three-Peat This March: Why That’s ‘Kind of a Relief’ for Dan Hurley
As the UConn men’s basketball team enters the 2025 NCAA Tournament, the conversation surrounding their potential to achieve a three-peat is noticeably absent. For head coach Dan Hurley, this shift in focus is “kind of a relief.” After a dominating 2023 championship run and a repeat title in 2024, the expectations have been sky-high for the Huskies, and the absence of three-peat talk offers a chance for Hurley and his team to breathe and focus on what’s in front of them, without the pressure of living up to a historical legacy.
The Weight of High Expectations
The UConn men’s basketball team has been on an incredible journey under Hurley’s leadership. The Huskies’ triumphs in 2023 and 2024 solidified their position as one of the most dominant programs in recent memory. However, with every success comes an increase in expectations. For many, the 2025 tournament seemed like a perfect opportunity for a historic three-peat—a feat that would further cement UConn’s place in the pantheon of college basketball greats.
Hurley, however, knows all too well the burden of this kind of pressure. In previous seasons, the weight of potential back-to-back titles often loomed large, influencing the way the team approached each game. While the players were driven by the desire to win and continue their success, the talk surrounding a possible three-peat created a level of expectation that can often feel overwhelming.
“I think, for the first time in a long while, it’s kind of a relief not to be talking about a three-peat,” Hurley admitted. “When you’ve won two in a row, people start expecting you to keep that momentum going, but it’s not that simple. There are so many factors in play, and it’s nice to not have to answer questions about making history every day.”
Refocusing on the Present
With the three-peat talk fading into the background, Hurley has refocused his team on the present rather than looking ahead to historic achievements. His main objective is to prepare his players for the challenges of the 2025 tournament without the distraction of external expectations.
This mindset shift has been critical for the Huskies. “We’ve got a team that’s capable of winning it all, but we need to take it one game at a time,” Hurley said. “The pressure from winning two championships is still there, but not having to talk about repeating or going for a third allows us to stay grounded and focus on improving day by day.”
The coach’s approach to this season’s team is pragmatic. Instead of pushing the notion of a three-peat, Hurley emphasizes growth, learning from past experiences, and staying focused on the tournament at hand. The absence of championship talk has allowed for a greater emphasis on the finer details of the game, such as defense, execution, and adapting to opponents’ styles.
The Mental Toll of Championship Glory
Hurley also pointed out the mental toll of chasing a third title in a row. The psychological strain of living up to the immense expectations can sometimes hinder a team’s ability to perform at the highest level. While winning is always the ultimate goal, Hurley recognizes the importance of mental clarity and balance for his players.
“We’re not looking to make history—we’re looking to make progress,” Hurley explained. “The guys have been there, done that. They understand what it takes to win, but at the same time, it’s important to focus on the here and now rather than being overwhelmed by the idea of what’s already been achieved.”
A Fresh Perspective on Success
Ultimately, UConn’s path to success in 2025 is not about chasing history but rather about embracing the journey. The team is composed of players who are driven and hungry, but they no longer need to be weighed down by the pressure of a three-peat. Hurley has created an environment where the focus is on the collective effort, not the pursuit of perfection.
The absence of three-peat talk might indeed be a relief for Hurley and his team, but it doesn’t diminish their aspirations. The Huskies are poised for another deep tournament run, one where they can prove that their success isn’t just a matter of repeating past glory—it’s about continuing to evolve and compete at the highest level. And for UConn, that is more than enough.
