UConn Fast Break

In our latest episode of The UConn Fast Break podcast, Aman, Patrick and Dan discuss the latest additions to the roster, highlights from the non-con, and thoughts on the preseason hype around new and returning players for this year’s squad.Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theuconnfastbreak.substack.com

We had a lot to discuss in this episode: Liam McNeeley landing with the Hornets, lots of Huskies making moves in the NBA, and future Huskies showing out on the international stage.We also offered guesses on which Huskies will be drafted next year and a little bit on how we’re feeling about the rotation for this upcoming season.Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theuconnfastbreak.substack.com

We are on to next season, folks, and a lot of change is coming.Yes, schools can start paying players, which is a huge deal. But in actual sports terms, UConn men’s hoops has had a ton of great news drop lately: New recruits, big names for the non-conference schedule, and even a new sponsor for the part-time home arena in Hartford.In this episode, we discuss opportunities for the rotation after a slew of experienced additions this offseason, expectations for the Huskies and Big East based on what we know, and a short chat about the new sponsor for the XL Center.Enjoy!Photo: X - @UConnMBB This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theuconnfastbreak.substack.com

We predicted Malachi Smith to UConn. One of us placed a very early wager on Steph Castle for NBA Rookie of the Year, and we were discussing it all season. In the latest episode, Aman, Patrick, and Madigan discuss the return of Alex Karaban, the newest addition to the coaching staff, and other roster movement this April for the Huskies. Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theuconnfastbreak.substack.com

Solo and J-Stew are back. Two freshmen and a sophomore are in the portal, along with Aidan Mahaney. Liam McNeeley declared for the NBA Draft. We’re waiting to hear from the others.It’s going to be a new-look Husky squad next year, especially after the addition of Silas Demary Jr., a 6-foot-5 lead guard transferring over from the University of Georgia, where he averaged 13.5 PPG, 3.1 APG, and 3.9 RPG as a sophomore last season. The former Class of 2023 recruit from North Carolina checks off a lot of boxes as Dan Hurley and his staff assess their offseason needs.The offseason needs conversation is a bit incomplete with the future decisions of Tarris Reed Jr. and Alex Karaban still to come. In this episode, we discuss the portal movement, the Demary Jr. addition, and possible portal targets depending on Reed Jr. and Karaban’s decisions.Enjoy!Photo: Ian Bethune This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theuconnfastbreak.substack.com

As we have stated all year, the only thing we knew to expect from the 2024-2025 Huskies was the unexpected.In the NCAA Tournament, that unexpectedness arrived in the form of UConn’s best defensive performances of the season and a near-upset of top-seeded Florida in a rock fight that nobody would have predicted.Now that the season is over, Aman, Patrick, and Dan explore the possibilities for the future, including Alex Karaban’s decision, possible coaching turnover, and potential targets in the transfer portal as the Huskies look to improve in 2025-2026. Surely, a Round of 32 exit will not suffice next season.Enjoy!Photo: Ian Bethune This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theuconnfastbreak.substack.com

After seeing a loss to Creighton in the Big East Tournament semis and the Huskies landing an 8-seed in a West Region with a wicked tough No. 1 seed, we’re trying to find the right mix of caution and enthusiasm. At the very least, some Big East pride is on the line against the allegedly excellent SEC.In this episode, we discuss the two days at MSG, the NCAA Tournament bracket, and how the Huskies match up against Oklahoma. Also, we pledge our allegiance to Hass. Please consider sharing the podcast with a friend! You can also follow us on Apple and Spotify.Photo: Ian Bethune This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theuconnfastbreak.substack.com

Despite an up-and-down ride through the regular season, UConn men’s hoops finished with a respectable final record and landing spot in the Big East standings. The Huskies can still make some noise in the conference and NCAA tournaments, especially with their leaders playing so well and others emerging as contributors.In this episode, Aman, Patrick, and Dan discuss the wins over Marquette and Seton Hall, Dan Hurley’s post-game comments on Saturday, and his appearance on the national news show 60 Minutes, where we had a chance to get an inside look behind the scenes in the life of UConn’s head coach. We also talk postseason expectations for MSG and beyond.Enjoy!Photo: Ian Bethune This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theuconnfastbreak.substack.com

This week, Aman, Dan, and Patrick discuss the wins over Georgetown and Providence and whether this stretch of consistent victories means anything for the future. Also, Tarris Reed Jr. is becoming a problem (for opposing teams).We also preview the Marquette matchup and get into postseason projections, including how things might shake out for the Huskies now that we know a bit more about their seeding future.Enjoy!Photo: Ian Bethune This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theuconnfastbreak.substack.com

Through 27 games, we have a pretty solid idea of what this UConn men’s basketball team is all about. The roster has some real limitations and at this point, it seems unlikely that the Huskies can wash away the inconsistency they’ve shown as a group throughout the season. But all is not lost, some upside still exists. If you’re feeling any panic, anger, or agony, that might be misplaced. The future remains bright for this program. Not being able to win three championships in a row is not an indictment of anyone’s abilities.We’re taking the long view here at the Fast Break Podcast. It could be a lot worse…Photo: Ian Bethune This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theuconnfastbreak.substack.com

What a weird, rollercoaster of a week.It’s been a weird season as a whole, with many surprises, including untimely losses and player arcs that haven’t gone as hoped. Some of the wins have been surprising as well.Being down 14 at one point in a game against DePaul was unexpected, almost as unexpected as the eventual UConn win after the way that contest started.Liam McNeeley dropping 38 points to win at Creighton in his first start back from injury was an incredible surprise.That they followed it up with one of the ugliest single-game collapses in program history speaks to the high variance that’s starting to define the 2024-2025 UConn men’s basketball experience. In this episode, Aman and Patrick discuss the realities of adjusted expectations, roster deficiencies, and the outlook for the rest of this season. The only thing we know for sure heading into the last five regular-season games is that anything can happen.We also covered the NBA Dunk Contest, Tyrese Martin’s new contract with the Nets, and future opportunities for Adama Sanogo.Enjoy!Photo: Ian Bethune This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theuconnfastbreak.substack.com

Before his January 1st injury at DePaul, Liam McNeeley’s start to the season was impressive enough. The five-star freshman had demonstrated scoring ability from all three levels, and great passing, and defensive prowess — the Huskies’ defensive ratings were higher with him in the lineup. In his first start back from injury, he showed another level, willing the Huskies to victory in a place where they had never won. The win over No. 24 Creighton is another gold star on the Huskies’ tournament resume.In this episode, the crew discusses McNeeley’s breakout, reactions from the past week, including the loss to St. John’s, and updates from the Huskies in the NBA. We also discuss UConn’s argument for a higher tourney seed than its loss count would suggest, and if this season is more exciting than the last one because of all the unexpected ways the games have gone down.Enjoy!Ian Bethune This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theuconnfastbreak.substack.com

In the latest episode of The Fast Break Podcast, Aman, Patrick, and Dan break down the Huskies’ surprising performances against DePaul and Marquette, including a discussion on the booing that was heard at the XL Center last Wednesday.We also previewed the St. John’s matchup as well as the NBA trade movement impacting our Huskies in the NBA.Enjoy!Photo: Twitter/X - @UConnMBB This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theuconnfastbreak.substack.com

It’s been a tough ride for Dan Hurley and the Huskies lately in Big East play, especially with the injury to Liam McNeeley. Perhaps the freshman is more critical to this year’s success than we thought, but we are seeing some positive developments for UConn despite these close losses piling up.In this episode, we discuss if there’s any need to adjust expectations for the 2025 postseason, the growth of Samson Johnson, and what the Huskies need to improve before a February stretch of schedule that is going to be quite challenging. We also discussed the NBA All-Star Weekend Dunk Contest, which will feature two former Huskies! Enjoy!Photo: Ian Bethune This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theuconnfastbreak.substack.com

UConn men’s basketball went 1-1 over the last week, with many highs and some lows across a tight loss to Villanova and the relatively comfortable win over Georgetown.Though the Nova game was marked by missed opportunities at the end, Dan Hurley’s squad did not let that phase them as they traveled to Washington DC to face an improving Georgetown team on Saturday. After taking the Hoyas’ best shot and prevailing, the Huskies have a week off from games before Saturday at noon when they host Creighton in another FOX game.In this episode, the crew discusses improved defense, the fellas stepping up, and Tyrese Martin, our UConn Fast Break NBA Player of the Week.Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theuconnfastbreak.substack.com

Dan Hurley said it best: this season is no coronation. That’s what Husky fans were getting used to. At the end of last season, UConn men’s basketball was an inevitable monster, finishing with 13 straight wins and a second consecutive national championship bolstered by double Big East crowns after one of the most dominant postseason performances of all time.This year’s team is capable of returning to the promised land, but it is not going to be as pretty or fun. The Huskies have a lot to improve on and with Liam McNeeley out injured, they’ll have to grow up a lot over the next month.In this episode, the crew reacts to the rollercoaster Providence game and this roster’s prospects without McNeeley. We also caught up on key storylines around the Big East and the glorious moment of Husky legend Cam Spencer sharing the court in an NBA game with his brother Pat.Enjoy!Photo: Ian Bethune This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theuconnfastbreak.substack.com

**An earlier version of this podcast was published containing dead audio due to technical difficulties. We apologize and promise to do better next time.**The UConn Huskies have shown tremendous resolve and poise as they began league play with wins over Xavier, Butler, and DePaul. They’re hosting Providence on Sunday as they look to push their winning streak to eight, with potential for much more.The Huskies’ next five opponents are: Providence (ranked 89th in KenPom), at Villanova (52nd), at Georgetown (66th), Creighton (53rd), and Butler (74th), before a visit to Xavier (51st) which could be somewhat challenging and a home game against DePaul (103rd) to close out the month. January 2025 should be kind to the record and a salve for the team’s metrics.In this episode, the crew discusses the highs and lows of beating Xavier in OT, a close road win over Butler, and the rollercoaster experience against New DePaul. We also broke down Liam McNeeley’s injury prognosis, key improvements over the last month, and the ceiling for this team.Enjoy!Photo: Ian Bethune This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theuconnfastbreak.substack.com

Just when the haters and losers were ready to throw dirt on the Huskies, pushing them out of the top-25 rankings, Dan Hurley’s squad has roared back into the national conversation with three straight statement wins.Beating Baylor without Alex Karaban was gutsy. They took care of business at Texas. And they reminded Gonzaga that it is forever destined to be inferior to UConn. In this episode, we discuss the starpower of Liam McNeeley, the growth and leadership of others across the roster, and the fact that Hurley’s Huskies appear to have their mojo back after a rough ride through Maui.We also go around the Big East as UConn readies for league play with a home bout against Xavier on Wednesday.Enjoy!Photo: Ian Bethune This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theuconnfastbreak.substack.com

Dan Hurley’s new-look squad for 2024-2025 has yet to be tested so far this season, playing four teams ranked below 300 in KenPom to start the schedule. We’ve seen some guys emerge as major contributors early, while others are experiencing growing pains. But we don’t know who Hurley will be counting on in March, not until the Huskies face some better competition.In this episode, the crew discusses early takeaways after four games, what the upcoming schedule (many tough games in Maui and early December!) portends, and reflections on the Big East competition and how things are shaping up across the league.Enjoy!Photo: Ian Bethune This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theuconnfastbreak.substack.com

UConn’s quest for three-peat is officially underway, and we break down how the team looked in its first test of the new season. We also discuss Jacob Furphy’s commitment and what he adds to an already loaded 2025 recruiting class. Lastly, the crew takes a look around the Big East and discusses the overall underperformance of the conference so far, plus some first impressions on future opponents Gonzaga and Butler.As the new season gets underway, we will be covering the Huskies’ journey for title No. 7 all year long. Be sure to follow us here and at The UConn Blog for the best UConn coverage around! Thanks for listening. Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theuconnfastbreak.substack.com