UConn Fast Break

As Big East play ramps up, UConn has survived a few close calls. In this episode, we discuss the Providence and Seton Hall games, and also interview Andy Katz! The national college hoops reporter was on the sidelines for the broadcast of the Huskies’ win over Seton Hall and shared his thoughts on their season thus far.You can also catch the Katz interview on our YouTube channel.Editor’s Note: This podcast was originally scheduled to be released before the Georgetown game, but technical issues got in the way. We cut our preview of that matchup from the episode, but still ran through the highs and lows of two interesting games and ended with an early look at Villanova.We’ll be sure to get a new episode out later this week!Andy Katz interviews Dan Hurley at the Prudential Center after the Huskies’ 69-64 win in the Prudential Center. 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 Huskies have been taking care of business, riding a 10-game winning streak as they’ve ripped through their first four Big East opponents, averaging a 19-point margin of victory in that span.In this episode, we review the wins over Xavier and Marquette before previewing Wednesday night’s Providence matchup. We also discussed the emerging competitors at Seton Hall and Villanova that the Huskies will be facing soon.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

A quick preview of today’s Xavier matchup.We tried to make a video preview, like we used to do in the 2024 season, and started back for the Butler game. But technical issues occurred. We are listening and learning.Also: Our preview for this game on The UConn Blog and a recent Storrs Central feature on new assistant coach Mike Nardi. 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 this episode, we discuss UConn’s wins over Texas and Butler, including the Jayden Ross breakout, the Solo Ball slumpbuster, and other highlights and concerns around the team.Dan Hurley has pointed to a lack of killer instinct, while anyone watching can see that they aren’t fully together offensively, or fully healthy. Still, at 11-1 with a win in their Big East opener, the Huskies’ season is shaping up nicely, and it’s clear they have the talent and depth to make another deep postseason run. Enjoy!Photo: Twitter/X - @UConnHuskies 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

The Huskies are 9-1 ahead of their final non-conference game. They’ve racked up four wins over ranked opponents, representing some of the top squads in the nation, with their lone loss coming by four points to the No. 1 team in the country at home, with two key players out.Those two players are back, or close, and we’re just starting to see what this Husky team can be. Their stars led the way over the Gators in MSG on Tuesday night, while new guys like Braylon Mullins, Eric Reibe, and Malachi Smith showed off what they bring to the table.It’s an exciting prospect to know that Dan Hurley has the Huskies rolling once again. This year, though, the competition around the country may be deeper at the top. We discuss the Florida game, the Texas matchup, and competition around the league and nation in the latest episode of The UConn Fast Break.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

In this episode, Aman, Dan, and Patrick discuss UConn’s wins over Illinois and Kansas before previewing the East Texas A&M and Florida matchups.We covered the glory of Malachi Smith, the emergence of two stud freshmen, and a team rounding into form, even though it’s not yet fully healthy.You can follow The UConn Fast Break on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Enjoy!Photo: Twitter/X - Fox Sports 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 is 1-1 in its marquee non-conference games thus far, with missing players having a notable role in both outcomes. Overall, though, Dan Hurley’s squad has looked pretty good.In the latest episode of The UConn Fast Break, Aman, Dan, and Patrick discuss the Huskies’ 5-1 start, including the win over BYU and the loss to Arizona. We also covered the Bryant game on Sunday and previewed upcoming matchups with No. 13 Illinois at MSG and Kansas (RV) in Lawrence.We also discussed the emergence of Eric Reibe, the excellence of Silas Demary Jr., and early criticisms brewing around the roster. 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

UConn men’s basketball is 3-0 after wins over New Haven, UMass Lowell, and Columbia to start the regular season. For the most part, all systems appear to be running smoothly for Dan Hurley’s squad. We’ll see their first big test on Saturday against BYU. After the return of Tarris Reed Jr., the Huskies are still down a couple of guys as they begin a challenging stretch of the season. Despite the 3-0 record, everything hasn’t looked pristine, as one might hope when taking on a brand-new Division 1 team or an Ivy League cellar-dweller. They did put up historic numbers against UMass Lowell — that was fun.In the latest episode of the podcast, Aman, Patrick, and Dan discuss the highlights and strengths from the fellas thus far and preview the BYU matchup. 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

After two exhibition games, UConn men’s basketball has demonstrated tantalizing depth and defensive prowess, and we can’t help but feel pretty good about it.In this episode, Aman, Patrick and Dan discuss their reviews of the new People’s Bank Arena and the Huskies’ two preseason performances before previewing the first few games to start the regular season. The 2025-26 campaign begins on Monday night against New Haven in Gampel. They have UMass Lowell in Hartford and Columbia at Gampel on Nov. 7 and 10 before the BYU game in Boston on Nov. 15. Giddyup.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

On Monday night, the UConn Huskies played their first of two exhibition games, beating Boston College comfortably, 71-52.In this episode, Aman, Dan, and Patrick discuss their takeaways from the exhibition opener as well as initial thoughts on how the rotation shook out and the recent commitments of Colben Landrew and Junior County.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

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