Why UConn's Dan Hurley did not add transfer this season

[HooperScooper]

I thought this was talked about already but Borges has an article about the subject so I figured I'd post it.

So remember in the future that just because it's reported that UConn reached out to a transfer, doesn't always mean they're really interested.

“It didn’t line up for us to take transfers with this particular team returning, with so many veteran players and with some very talented freshmen coming in,” Hurley noted. “And with nobody that we felt, on the transfer market, that was a bigger upgrade than anyone that we were returning here. At least guys that we felt bringing into our culture.”

It’s not that the Huskies didn’t try. The staff kicked the tires on several transfers beginning last spring, when it was still unclear whether Isaiah Whaley and Tyler Polley would be returning for their respective “super-senior” seasons.

Among the players the Huskies showed interest in were Florida’s Noah Locke, Michigan State’s Rocket Watts, Syracuse’s Kadary Richmond and Minnesota’s Marcus Carr.

Or did they?

“I would say publicly, there were probably a lot of potential transfers we were deeply connected with that I had never even communicated with,” Hurley recalled. “But the staff had made that initial call, so that you didn’t get left out in case you did have some guys transfer out and head for the portal.”

Why UConn’s Dan Hurley did not add transfer this season: ‘It didn’t line up for us’

UConn coach Dan Hurley is not opposed to adding transfers, but the Huskies did not dip...

www.nhregister.com

 

[Jimdish255]

Not surprised one bit. But no one can sell me on this team not needing a three-point shooter and that there were none available. Hurley sent the message early that he just wasn't interested.

 

[Waquoit]

Not surprised one bit. But no one can sell me on this team not needing a three-point shooter and that there were none available.

I think "At least guys that we felt bringing into our culture" covers that.

 

[HooperScooper]

Forgot to add the free link access: Why UConn's Dan Hurley did not add transfer this season: 'It didn't line up for us'

 

[Fatroony5]

I thought this was talked about already but Borges has an article about the subject so I figured I'd post it.

So remember in the future that just because it's reported that UConn reached out to a transfer, doesn't always mean they're really interested.

“It didn’t line up for us to take transfers with this particular team returning, with so many veteran players and with some very talented freshmen coming in,” Hurley noted. “And with nobody that we felt, on the transfer market, that was a bigger upgrade than anyone that we were returning here. At least guys that we felt bringing into our culture.”

It’s not that the Huskies didn’t try. The staff kicked the tires on several transfers beginning last spring, when it was still unclear whether Isaiah Whaley and Tyler Polley would be returning for their respective “super-senior” seasons.

Among the players the Huskies showed interest in were Florida’s Noah Locke, Michigan State’s Rocket Watts, Syracuse’s Kadary Richmond and Minnesota’s Marcus Carr.

Or did they?

“I would say publicly, there were probably a lot of potential transfers we were deeply connected with that I had never even communicated with,” Hurley recalled. “But the staff had made that initial call, so that you didn’t get left out in case you did have some guys transfer out and head for the portal.”

Why UConn’s Dan Hurley did not add transfer this season: ‘It didn’t line up for us’

UConn coach Dan Hurley is not opposed to adding transfers, but the Huskies did not dip...

www.nhregister.com

I spoke with a P5 assistant coach the other day whom I’ve known for awhile about the whole transfer situation. I Asked him specifically about how difficult it was to get a transfer and how the process has been playing out this year. It’s not surprising to hear but he basically said that the big time players are already “committed” before they hit the portal. If they hit the portal and you’re just reaching out, it’s normally too late. It’s all about relationships, so it’s not hard if you’re connected with the player already.

Cant speak to UConn staff specifically, but Hurley is a guy who seems to only want to take the right transfer; guys he knows already. When he says UConn was linked to certain guys and he really didn’t communicate with them, that’s probably true. I have no issue with them not getting a transfer, the strategy long term will work fine.

 

[SubbaBub]

Not surprised one bit. But no one can sell me on this team not needing a three-point shooter and that there were none available. Hurley sent the message early that he just wasn't interested.

If Polley left, this likely would have been a priority. As it sits, there are too many quality players on the bench to risk bringing in someone who would have demanded minutes to sign on.

Is an extra 2 or 3% in one players 3FG% worth rocking the boat? No, it isn't.

It makes sense to plan contingencies in the event of transfers or injuries, but once the guys committed to returning I doubt any serious thought was given to bring someone in.

Remember transfers are rarely more than specialists or end of the rotation guys for elite teams.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

There just isn't room on this roster for a transfer. Better to hold the scholarship for next year.

 

[Psolo12]

If we're wishing we had gotten a transfer at any point this season something went wrong

 

[AZHuskiePop]

The grass is always greener applies to other team players .
You saw how an maligned unused big of ours was grabbed by a top program
Polley and Whaley both would have hot gets if they entered the portal
They didn’t and we have two grown men with years of experience in the culture. Their maturity means they’re less likely to complain about not starting and more concerned with doing the little things to win including helping younger players.
In 2014 our young Bigs probably got more from Tyler Olander than anyone .
The value of experience is somewhat muted by a guy from a different culture whose trying to fit.

 

[navery12]

Not surprised one bit. But no one can sell me on this team not needing a three-point shooter and that there were none available. Hurley sent the message early that he just wasn't interested.

Who's minutes are you giving to that transfer? It's already tough to find minutes for the 3 point shooter currently on our roster in Polley

 

[CTFAN4LIFE]

If we're wishing we had gotten a transfer at any point this season something went wrong

Every team every year has moments that they wish they had better players.

 

[Umami Zen]

Adding an extra year of eligibility due to Covid affected roster construction. When Tyler/IW decided to come back along with the incoming freshman class--He was clearly comfortable with this year's team.

PT will be challenging enough for him with the depth he has. Next year's roster may dictate a more aggressive approach re:the Portal--Or not.

 

[August_West]

Not surprised one bit. But no one can sell me on this team not needing a three-point shooter and that there were none available. Hurley sent the message early that he just wasn't interested.

there was no better 3 point shooter for this team than 5th year Polley. Simple stuff. You might point at a few guys with a slightly better career percentage, but then they dont have 4 years in the system.

 

[Husky Alien]

Corey Floyed! We would not have him in a Husky uniform right now if we took someone from the transfer portal. IMO this will pay off in the long run. Better than any transfer player.

 

[Jimdish255]

Not surprised one bit. But no one can sell me on this team not needing a three-point shooter and that there were none available. Hurley sent the message early that he just wasn't interested.

Sorry not sorry. This was always a mistake.