Host Mark Zanetto welcomes Locked On UConn contributor Tyler Remick, a PhD in economics and an avid UConn basketball fan, to dive into the current state of the Big East, UConn’s Quad 1 and Quad 2 opportunities, and the creative nicknames Dan Hurley assigns to his players. With the holiday break in full swing, they discuss whether the Big East has surpassed last year’s dominance and what lies ahead for UConn in 2025.

Segment 1: The Big East’s Current Dominance

Mark and Tyler discuss whether the Big East is even stronger this year than last. They analyze the performances of marquee teams like Marquette, Creighton, and St. John’s and compare this season’s conference standings to prior years. Tyler provides an analytical perspective on what these numbers mean for the league’s strength in the NCAA Tournament. They highlight how these rankings impact UConn’s trajectory and how the Huskies can continue competing at an elite level.

Segment 2: UConn’s Quad Opportunities

Mark and Tyler take a detailed look at UConn’s remaining schedule, breaking down the Quadrant classifications for each game. With 8 Quad 1 games remaining, they discuss the significance of each matchup, emphasizing high-stakes games like Marquette, Villanova, and St. John’s. They also explore how potential fluctuations in NET rankings could shift the Quad classification of games. Tyler offers insights into how UConn can maximize its seeding potential by avoiding Quad 4 losses and performing well in Quad 1 opportunities.

Segment 3: Dan Hurley’s Nicknames and Fan Contributions

In a lighter, interactive segment, Mark and Tyler delve into Dan Hurley’s nicknames for his players. They discuss the creativity behind titles like “Kodiak Bear” for Tarris Reed and “General Hassan” for Hassan Diarra. The duo brainstorm new nicknames for players who don’t have one yet and invite listeners to submit their ideas for the next episode. They reflect on how these nicknames build camaraderie and exemplify Hurley’s connection to his team.

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