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Congrats UConn. You're now the team everyone loves to hate | Opinion
- Story by
- Congrats UConn. You're now the team everyone loves to hate | Opinion
INDIANAPOLIS – Shove over, Duke. There's a new team in men's college basketball that everyone loves to hate.
If there was any debate UConn is the game's new villain, that chorus of boos raining down on Dan Hurley after his team reached its third NCAA title game in four years erased all doubt. UConn has become a team only UConn fans can love.
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And, depending on the outcome of the game, maybe not even them!
"When we lose a game, our fans are so brutal on social that — and obviously I'm disliked by a number of different programs. When we lose, the celebration that goes on and the mocking, that's kind of like a loud external," Hurley said Sunday, April 5.
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Don't sell Hurley and the Huskies short. They've earned their position atop the hate-meter.
Hurley off the court is nothing like the maniac he is on the court . He's not condescending like Jim Boeheim was and he doesn't have the arrogance of Mike Krzyzewski.
Andrej Stojakovic #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini drives to the basket against Solo Ball #1 of the UConn Huskies in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Patrick Smith, Getty Images)
Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies reacts against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies shoots a layup against Zvonimir Ivisic #44 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts against the UConn Huskies during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies dunks the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
Kylan Boswell #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini makes a pass while playing against UConn Huskies in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Patrick Smith, Getty Images)
Jayden Ross #23 of the UConn Huskies gestures while playing against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Patrick Smith, Getty Images)
UConn Huskies forward Jayden Ross (23) celebrates a made three point basket Saturday, April 4, 2026, during a Final Four game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar, Imagn Images)
David Mirkovic #0 and Jake Davis #15 of the Illinois Fighting Illini huddle up with their teammates prior to the Final Four against the UConn Huskies in the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
UConn Huskies forward Jaylin Stewart (3) shoots the ball over Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) saves the ball to Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) against the UConn Huskies in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) reacts after a play against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) shoots the ball against UConn Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) shoots over UConn Huskies guard Solo Ball (1) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) shoots the ball past Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ben Humrichous (3) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) reacts after a play against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) is guarded Saturday, April 4, 2026, by UConn Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) during a Final Four game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, Imagn Images)
UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates after shooting and making his second three point basket of the first half Saturday, April 4, 2026, during a Final Four game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, Imagn Images)
UConn Huskies forward Jayden Ross (23) celebrates after making a three-point basket against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) shoots the ball against UConn Huskies guard Malachi Smith (0) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley gets after his team Saturday, April 4, 2026, during a Final Four game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar, Imagn Images)
UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) reacts after a play against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) drives to the basket against UConn Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies jumps for the ball against Tomislav Ivisic #13 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
David Mirkovic #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini interacts with teammates during player introductions prior to the game against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
Andrej Stojakovic #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini drives to the basket against Solo Ball #1 of the UConn Huskies in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Patrick Smith, Getty Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
Andrej Stojakovic #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini drives to the basket against Solo Ball #1 of the UConn Huskies in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Patrick Smith, Getty Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies reacts against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies shoots a layup against Zvonimir Ivisic #44 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts against the UConn Huskies during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies dunks the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
Kylan Boswell #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini makes a pass while playing against UConn Huskies in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Patrick Smith, Getty Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
Jayden Ross #23 of the UConn Huskies gestures while playing against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Patrick Smith, Getty Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
UConn Huskies forward Jayden Ross (23) celebrates a made three point basket Saturday, April 4, 2026, during a Final Four game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar, Imagn Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
David Mirkovic #0 and Jake Davis #15 of the Illinois Fighting Illini huddle up with their teammates prior to the Final Four against the UConn Huskies in the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
UConn Huskies forward Jaylin Stewart (3) shoots the ball over Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) saves the ball to Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) against the UConn Huskies in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) reacts after a play against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) shoots the ball against UConn Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) shoots over UConn Huskies guard Solo Ball (1) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) shoots the ball past Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ben Humrichous (3) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) reacts after a play against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) is guarded Saturday, April 4, 2026, by UConn Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) during a Final Four game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, Imagn Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates after shooting and making his second three point basket of the first half Saturday, April 4, 2026, during a Final Four game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, Imagn Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
UConn Huskies forward Jayden Ross (23) celebrates after making a three-point basket against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) shoots the ball against UConn Huskies guard Malachi Smith (0) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley gets after his team Saturday, April 4, 2026, during a Final Four game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar, Imagn Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) reacts after a play against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) drives to the basket against UConn Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies jumps for the ball against Tomislav Ivisic #13 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos
David Mirkovic #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini interacts with teammates during player introductions prior to the game against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
But if he's not coaching your team, Hurley is going to rub you like sandpaper with his yelling at the refs, snarking about officiating and ignoring the boundaries of the coach's box.
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Thus, those boos after UConn beat Illinois in the Final Four.
"I don't know why they're booing," Hurley said, tongue in cheek.
Of course he does.
If Hurley was just some obnoxious coach, it would generate yawns or "this guy again" eye rolls. But Hurley and his team are really, really good. Like historically good. Especially at this time of year.
And that's what really sets people off.
College basketball has undergone so many seismic changes in the past decade that anyone watching has at least a mild case of whiplash. There are no constants, no continuity. Even Duke doesn't seem quite so smarmy these days, going more than a decade without a title and losing to UConn in the Elite Eight in such shocking fashion that you almost felt sorry for the Dukies.
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I said almost . Let's not get carried away.
Yet UConn has been impervious to the turmoil. By winning their second consecutive title in 2024, the Huskies joined Duke (1991 and 1992) and Florida (2006 and 2007) as the only repeat champions since 1973.
Now UConn and those early-90s Dukies are the only teams to get three cracks at the title in four years since John Wooden's heyday.
UConn is 18-3 in the NCAA tournament since 2021, and its 13-1 overall record in the Final Four is the best in tournament history. At 20-5, Hurley's record in the tournament is third behind only Phil Woolpert and that Wooden guy.
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
(Kyle Ross, Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
(Bill Streicher, Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts with guard Malachi Smith (0) in the first half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
(Kyle Ross, Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts with UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
(Bill Streicher, Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts after defeating the UCLA Bruins in a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
(Bill Streicher, Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
(Amber Searls, Amber Searls-Imagn Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 20: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies reacts against the Furman Paladins during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies reacts against the Furman Paladins during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 22: UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 22: UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts after Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies shot during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 22: UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 22: UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 22: UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 27: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 27: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
(Patrick Smith, Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 27: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
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Dan Hurley: College basketball's most animated head coach
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
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Dan Hurley: College basketball's most animated head coach
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
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Dan Hurley: College basketball's most animated head coach
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
(Kyle Ross, Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)
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Dan Hurley: College basketball's most animated head coach
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
(Bill Streicher, Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
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Dan Hurley: College basketball's most animated head coach
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts with guard Malachi Smith (0) in the first half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
(Kyle Ross, Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)
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Dan Hurley: College basketball's most animated head coach
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts with UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
(Bill Streicher, Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
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Dan Hurley: College basketball's most animated head coach
Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts after defeating the UCLA Bruins in a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
(Bill Streicher, Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
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Dan Hurley: College basketball's most animated head coach
Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
(Amber Searls, Amber Searls-Imagn Images)
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Dan Hurley: College basketball's most animated head coach
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 20: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies reacts against the Furman Paladins during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
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Dan Hurley: College basketball's most animated head coach
Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies reacts against the Furman Paladins during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
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Dan Hurley: College basketball's most animated head coach
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 22: UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
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Dan Hurley: College basketball's most animated head coach
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 22: UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts after Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies shot during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
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Dan Hurley: College basketball's most animated head coach
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 22: UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
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Dan Hurley: College basketball's most animated head coach
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 22: UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
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Dan Hurley: College basketball's most animated head coach
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 22: UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
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Dan Hurley: College basketball's most animated head coach
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 27: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
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Dan Hurley: College basketball's most animated head coach
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 27: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
(Patrick Smith, Getty Images)
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Dan Hurley: College basketball's most animated head coach
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 27: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
Should UConn beat Michigan, Karaban will be the only non-UCLA player to win three NCAA titles.
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"They have championship DNA," Michigan coach Dusty May said. "This run they're on is one of the best — probably the best since John Wooden."
But success has a very short shelf life in American sports. The only thing fans root for more than the dominance of a dynasty is seeing that dynasty get its comeuppance.
The New England Patriots. The New York Yankees. The Kansas City Chiefs. UConn's women. We love to see them win and we root for them to lose.
And now Hurley and his UConn program have joined the ranks of the reviled.
"People don't necessarily want to see the same team win over and over again. And what coach Hurley's been able to do these last four years has been incredible and it's just adding to the history of college basketball," senior forward Alex Karaban said.
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"A lot of people don't want to see the Chiefs playing in the Super Bowl again. That's kind of like the example that coach used for us, too," he added. "People don't want to keep seeing the same team win, but why does that matter with us? We want to keep winning."
That's the thing with villains or bullies. The only way to stop them is to shut them down.
Until then, you can boo Hurley and UConn all you want. They'll be too busy winning to care.
Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: UConn basketball's success makes Huskies latest team you love to hate
