Dan Hurley Delivers Strong Message to Big East Coaches

UConn coach Dan Hurley recently addressed fellow Big East coaches regarding the league’s performance in non-conference games. As the NCAA Tournament approaches, he emphasized the importance of securing victories outside the conference to enhance overall standing.

Dan Hurley’s Call to Action for Big East Coaches

Currently, only three teams from the Big East are projected to participate in the NCAA Tournament: No. 3 UConn, No. 22 St. John’s, and a rejuvenated Villanova. Hurley’s message underlines the critical need for every team to secure prominent non-conference wins.

Statistics and Current Standings

• UConn: 10-1 record in non-conference games, with four wins over Top-25 teams. Their sole loss was a narrow defeat to No. 1 Arizona.
• St. John’s: 8-4 in non-conference play, struggling against ranked opponents with a 0-3 record, including a loss to Kentucky.
• Villanova: 9-2 overall, but with two losses against ranked teams. They secured a significant overtime win against Wisconsin.
• Seton Hall: Started strong at 10-1, achieving victories over teams like No. 23 N.C. State but faltered in conference play.
• Non-conference record for Big East: 87 wins and 34 losses (.719).

NET Rankings and Implications

As of now, only three Big East teams are within the Top 50 of the NCAA NET Rankings: UConn at No. 6, St. John’s at No. 24, and Villanova at No. 32. Seton Hall currently ranks No. 51. Hurley noted that successful non-conference results are essential for maintaining and improving NET rankings.

The Need for Collective Efforts

Bracketologist Brad Wachtel highlighted the concerning reality that the Big East may only receive three bids for the NCAA Tournament, which has occurred twice in the last three years. He pointed to scheduling and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) considerations as factors needing attention.

“The league needs to work collectively to find ways to increase NCAA bids,” Wachtel stated. He stressed the importance of individual team efforts synergistically benefiting the conference.

Looking Ahead

Rick Pitino, St. John’s coach, proposed the idea of an NIL spending floor between $9-11 million for teams. Hurley agrees with the necessity of resources, but he maintains that winning non-conference games remains paramount.

As the season progresses, Hurley’s message resonates throughout the Big East. Each team’s performance in non-conference matchups will not only define their fate but also impact the conference’s reputation as a whole in the national landscape.