On Tuesday night, the UConn Huskies secured a hard-fought 70-66 victory over the No. 24 Creighton Bluejays in Omaha, marking their first win in the city since Creighton joined the Big East in 2020. The game was a thrilling showdown, with UConn overcoming a 14-point deficit to snap Creighton’s nine-game winning streak. But what really stole the spotlight was the fiery personality of UConn head coach Dan Hurley, who couldn’t resist taking a moment to celebrate his team’s victory in his own unique—and patented—way. As he walked off the court, Hurley exchanged a few choice words with fans, including a playful jab at one spectator: “Two rings, baldy,” a reference to UConn’s back-to-back national championships under his leadership. For those who know Hurley, this kind of behavior is par for the course. He’s a coach who wears his heart on his sleeve, and when the moment calls for it, he’s never afraid to let his emotions shine—whether that’s through fiery rants at referees or a little trash talk aimed at opposing fans.
Dan Hurley has become a polarizing figure in college basketball, and Tuesday’s postgame moment only added to his reputation as one of the sport’s most colorful personalities. After the game, he admitted that the victory was especially gratifying, given the challenges UConn has faced against Creighton since the Bluejays joined the Big East. “I’m not going to lie to you, that was very gratifying,” Hurley said in a postgame interview. “I waved at some people. I just wished that there was more of them still left. There’s been a lot more left when I’ve lost.” Hurley’s candor and unapologetic confidence are traits that have endeared him to some and irritated others, but they’re also part of what makes him successful. His ability to connect with his players and rally them in high-pressure situations has been instrumental in UConn’s recent resurgence, including their back-to-back national titles in 2023 and 2024.
This win was particularly meaningful for Hurley and the Huskies, as it marked a turning point in their rivalry with Creighton. Since the Bluejays joined the Big East, UConn had struggled to find success against them, especially on the road. Tuesday’s victory not only snapped Creighton’s nine-game winning streak but also gave UConn a much-needed boost after a tough home loss to St. John’s over the weekend. The game itself was a testament to UConn’s resilience, as they battled back from a double-digit deficit to secure the win. For Hurley, it was a moment to savor, and he wasn’t about to let it go without a little flair. When 18,000 fans are chanting obscenities at you for hours, a little PG-rated banter seems like a fair response. Hurley has always been a coach who thrives in the heat of the moment, and Tuesday night was no exception.
Hurley’s postgame antics have sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some questioning whether it’s appropriate for a coach to engage with fans in such a way. However, those who know Hurley understand that this kind of passion is what drives him. He’s a coach who pours his heart and soul into the game, and when things go right, he’s not afraid to let loose and enjoy the moment. This season alone has seen Hurley make headlines for more than just his coaching. Earlier in the year, he made waves at the Maui Invitational, where he was held back by his assistants during a heated exchange with officials. The incident ultimately led to a technical foul and a loss, but Hurley didn’t mince words afterward, vowing never to return to the tournament. Last month, he again made headlines for his antics on the sidelines, screaming at an official, “Don’t turn your back on me! I’m the best coach in the f***ing sport.” Miraculously, he avoided a technical foul that time, but the moment only added to his reputation as college basketball’s resident provocateur.
Despite his fiery personality, Hurley’s results on the court speak for themselves. The Huskies currently have a 17-7 record and sit in fourth place in the Big East standings. While they fell out of the national rankings this week, they’re still in good position heading into March and the NCAA tournament. Up next is a road game against Seton Hall on Saturday, followed by matchups against Villanova and No. 9 St. John’s later in the week. For UConn to make a deep run in the tournament, they’ll need to maintain the kind of resilience and determination that fueled their comeback against Creighton. And if history is any indication, Dan Hurley will be right there on the sidelines, leading the charge with the same passion and intensity that have made him a household name.
In the end, Dan Hurley’s approach to the game is unapologetically him. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying that he’s a coach who wears his heart on his sleeve and leaves everything on the court. Tuesday’s victory over Creighton was just the latest chapter in what has been an incredible journey for UConn basketball under Hurley’s leadership. With the NCAA tournament on the horizon, fans can expect more of the same from Hurley and the Huskies. Win or lose, Dan Hurley will always be Dan Hurley—and college basketball is better for it.
