The Huskies have clinched the No. 2 seed in the East Region after a strong finish in the Big East Conference. Their path to glory, however, is lined with some of college basketball's most storied programs.
UConn kicks off their tournament run Friday night at 10 p.m. ET in Philadelphia, facing off against No. 15 seed Furman. Aiming for their third national championship in four years, the Huskies are poised to navigate through a field brimming with legendary coaches and historic teams.
This season, Rick Pitino and St. John's have been a thorn in UConn's side, defeating them twice, including in the Big East title game. Let’s dive into the formidable coaches standing in the Huskies' way, excluding Dan Hurley and UConn.
Jon Scheyer (Duke)
Scheyer is in his fourth year at Duke, his alma mater, boasting a 121-24 record. With NCAA Tournament appearances each season and a Final Four run last year, his Blue Devils are the tournament's No. 1 overall seed.
They feature standout forward Cam Boozer and will face No. 16 Siena, led by former Syracuse star Gerry McNamara.
Tom Izzo (Michigan State)
A true icon, Izzo has been at the helm of Michigan State since 1995-96, amassing a 762-309 record. With accolades including four Big Ten Coach of the Year titles and a national championship in 2000, he's led the Spartans to eight Final Fours. This year, his team is the No. 3 seed, set to play North Dakota State.
Bill Self (Kansas)
Since joining Kansas in 2003-04, Self has achieved a remarkable 647-166 record. A six-time Big-12 Coach of the Year and two-time National Coach of the Year, he led the Jayhawks to national titles in 2008 and 2022. Kansas, a No. 4 seed this year, will take on Cal Baptist.
Mick Cronin (UCLA)
UCLA's rich history is undeniable, and Cronin’s Bruins enter as the No. 7 seed after a 23-11 season. Though not as dominant as some, Cronin has reached the NCAA Tournament 15 times and made it to the Final Four. UCLA will face South Florida.
Rick Pitino (St. John's)
Pitino’s career is marked by success and controversy, but his winning record speaks volumes. With a lifetime record of 913-317, he's taken teams to the NCAA Tournament 24 times, reaching seven Final Fours and winning titles with Kentucky and Louisville.
His St. John's squad, at 28-6, is the No. 5 seed and will play Northern Iowa.
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