UConn’s Dan Hurley blasts ref with epic 1-liner in Huskies overtime win: ‘Did I say that?’
UConn Men’s Basketball coach dan hurley’s latest shenanigans with the officials were caught on television Tuesday night, when the Huskies beat Butler in overtime to win their 15th straight game at Hartford’s XL Center.
A veteran coach, who led the Huskies back-to-back national championships over the past two seasons, he’s become known for letting officials know exactly how he feels. Tuesday night was no different, but Hurley’s choice of words to an official became an instant viral moment on social media.
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley watches from the sidelines as they take on the Butler Bulldogs at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on January 21, 2025 in Storrs, Connecticut. (David Butler II-Imagn Images)
Late in the first half, with UConn leading by 10, Hurley approached the referee after he felt a foul should have been called on a defensive rebound.
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However, as Hurley pleaded his case, the official turned his back on the coach. Then the broadcast picked up Hurley’s epic line.
“Don’t turn your back on me, I’m the best trainer in the fucking sport.”
Hurley did not deny making the remark in his postgame speech, explaining that he was asking for more “communication” from the officials.
“Did I say that,” Hurley replied with a smirk. “Oh, yes. I’m going to sound like a fool—I want some level of communication, too.”
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley watches from the sidelines as they take on the Butler Bulldogs at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on January 21, 2025 in Storrs, Connecticut. (David Butler II-Imagn Images)
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Hurley went a step further to defend himself, adding that his interactions with officials were not unique, but his camera time was.
“I just wish they would put the camera on the other coach more,” he continued. “I just wish they’d show how these other coaches lose their minds over other officials Great Eastern Games to train where I’m watching – I go to a timeout where I don’t talk to officials. I see other coaches as demonstrative as I do.
“But the camera, obviously – I created this for myself. I’m not a victim. I just wish the camera wasn’t on me 90% of the time. Unless they like driving ratings and more — holes on Twitter to put in game clips of me and they [can say] ‘Look how big the monster is. He yells at the referee again. What a monster.'”
Connecticut Huskies’ Alex Karaban, #11, reacts after scoring and being fouled during overtime of an NCAA basketball game at the XL Center on January 21, 2025 in Hartford, Connecticut. The Huskies defeated the Bulldogs 80-78 in overtime. (Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)
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UConn had won 28 straight at home before Saturday’s loss to Creighton, but they bounced back Tuesday behind the performance of Solo Ball, who scored a career-high 23 points in an 80-78 overtime victory. through Butler.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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