In this episode of the Hoopsology Podcast, we sit down with David Borges, author of Hurley’s Heroes: UConn’s Return to College Basketball’s Elite and longtime UConn men’s basketball beat reporter.

David takes us inside the rise of Dan Hurley, the rebuilding of UConn basketball, and the program’s return to dominance — including back-to-back national championships and last season’s push for a historic three-peat.

We discuss:

🏀 How Hurley rebuilt UConn from a struggling program into a powerhouse

🏀 The six-year blueprint Hurley used from his Rhode Island days

🏀 His intense, emotional coaching style — and why players respond to it

🏀 Hurley’s approach to NIL, the transfer portal, and modern recruiting

🏀 What fans don’t know about his personality and behind-the-scenes leadership

🏀 The inside story of the Lakers job rumors and why Hurley stayed at UConn

🏀 How Borges balances honesty and access while covering the team

🏀 UConn’s outlook for the 2025 season — can they win another national title?

David also breaks down his own interactions with Hurley, including moments of tension, respect, and what it’s like covering one of the most passionate coaches in all of college sports.

If you love UConn, college basketball, coaching culture, or behind-the-scenes insight from beat reporters, this episode is a must-listen.

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