Dan Hurley’s Biggest Fear as UConn Faces Michigan in Championship

Emerson Raymont

Published: April 5, 2026 5:22 PM ET

Dan Hurley’s Biggest Fear as UConn Faces Michigan in Championship

UConn’s head coach Dan Hurley is preparing for a major challenge as his team faces Michigan in the national championship game. The matchup is historic, as the Wolverines enter with an impressive 36-3 record and a remarkable NCAA Tournament run.

Michigan’s Dominance in the Tournament

This season, Michigan has made headlines by securing victory in every NCAA Tournament game by double digits. They have also achieved a unique milestone, scoring 90 or more points in five consecutive games—the first team in tournament history to do so. The team displayed their strength in their last game, defeating No. 1 seed Arizona 91-73.

Key Players for Michigan

Aday Mara: The towering center scored 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds against Arizona.
Trey McKenney: The freshman guard contributed 16 points off the bench, shooting 66.7%.
Elliot Cadeau: The starting point guard scored 13 points and provided 10 assists.

Despite losing star player Yaxel Lendeborg to injury early in the tournament, Michigan’s depth has proven crucial. Their frontcourt, featuring Mara and Illinois transfer Morez Johnson Jr., presents a significant size advantage against their opponents.

Hurley’s Strategic Concerns

Hurley acknowledges the challenges posed by Michigan’s defense and rebounding power. He aims to make the Wolverines work defensively, pushing them beyond their usual limits. “We have to keep them moving to wear them down during the game,” Hurley stated.

The Coaching Rivalry

Coaches Dan Hurley and Dusty May both reached the Final Four in 2023. Hurley praised May, calling him one of the best coaches in the game. “His ability to evaluate talent and construct a winning roster is evident,” Hurley remarked. May has worked hard to elevate Michigan’s program this season.

Championship Mindset

Although UConn may be seen as the underdog, Hurley believes in their championship mentality. The current roster, featuring senior starter Alex Karaban, may differ from previous title-winning teams, but the foundation remains strong.

In preparation for the title game, both teams will have limited practice time. Hurley noted, “No team is perfect. It will all come down to who performs better on the night of the championship.”