UConn coach Dan Hurley lauds Michigan before final

UConn head coach Dan Hurley used a Sunday media session in Indianapolis, Indiana, to frame Michigan as a major challenge ahead of the National Championship Game scheduled for Monday night. Hurley described the Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team as a “dominant team” and called Michigan coach Dusty May “one of the best coaches in the game.” His comments came as UConn prepared for the title matchup against Michigan.

Hurley also addressed UConn’s health situation coming out of Saturday’s game. He said Silas will be monitored following that contest. He added that Solo will not take part in Sunday’s activities because of a foot sprain, and Solo was seen wearing a boot. The update outlined immediate availability questions for UConn as the team moved into final preparations for Monday night.

Beyond the opponent and injuries, Hurley pointed to conference play as a key part of UConn’s readiness for the NCAA Tournament’s single-elimination structure. He said Big East competition, which he characterized as physical and coached at a high level, has helped prepare his team for the demands of a one-game format where a season can hinge on a single performance.

Hurley also discussed roster-building priorities, describing a preference for developing high school recruits while acknowledging the need to use the transfer portal in targeted ways. He said portal additions can be necessary to fill specific gaps, including replacing players who depart. In that context, he emphasized continuity and maintaining a defined team culture as central considerations in how UConn is constructed.

Hurley further minimized the importance of “underdog” framing in a championship setting. He said that in a single-game elimination environment, winning does not necessarily require being the best team overall, but instead delivering the best performance on that particular night. His remarks underscored how narrow margins and short time horizons can shape outcomes in the sport’s biggest game.