In the wake of a tough loss to St. John’s in the Big East Tournament championship, the UConn men’s basketball team is looking to regroup as they head into the NCAA Tournament. Enter Solo Ball, a player who seems primed to ignite a turnaround.
Ball has shown a knack for bouncing back. After a rough regular-season loss to the Red Storm, he responded with his only consecutive 20-point games of the season. Similarly, following a setback against Marquette that cost UConn a share of the regular season title, Ball came back strong with a 19-point effort.
Earlier in the season, after a defeat by Arizona, Ball led the charge in victories over ranked teams like Illinois, Kansas, and Florida, showcasing his ability to step up in crucial moments.
The junior guard’s positive outlook allows him to shake off adversity and rally his team. “I’m human, so there are definitely times when any of us press,” Ball shared.
“But the best thing to do is just trust, stay confident, and believe in myself. Self-belief can carry you through anything.”
Coach Dan Hurley acknowledges that while he’d love for players to channel their frustration into fiery locker room speeches, today’s athletes often find other ways to reset. Confidence, he believes, is key.
“The group has to carry itself like a team that has won 29 games,” Hurley emphasized. “We need to act like a 29-win team, not a 19-win one.”
Ball has been instrumental in those 29 victories, leading the team in scoring in 11 games this season. He’s the Huskies’ second-leading scorer, averaging 13.5 points per game, and leads in total points and made 3-pointers. Despite some inconsistency, Ball sees growth in himself both on and off the court.
As the NCAA Tournament looms, Ball starts each day with meditation and breathing exercises, aiming to maintain a consistent routine. “It’s about consistency,” he explained. “You just have to stay consistent every day if you want to be great.”
Ball’s commitment to excellence was evident when he arrived at the NCAA Tournament Selection Show wearing a shirt with the motto from the 2024 national championship season: EVERYTHING. It’s a reminder to compete fiercely and pursue every goal.
The Huskies recently endured a tough video session reviewing their performance against St. John’s, a humbling experience that Hurley hopes will fuel their resolve.
“The fact that we earned such a high seed (No. 2) speaks to the overall great season we’ve had,” Hurley said. “Now it’s about turning those experiences into our best basketball.”
For shooters like Ball, Alex Karaban, and Braylon Mullins, confidence is crucial. Hurley aims to bolster their belief that they’re ready to shine in March. “You have enough conversations to let them know they’re about to light it up,” Hurley noted.
Ball approaches the NCAA Tournament with enthusiasm, seeing it as both crucial and exhilarating. “It’s the most important time, but also the most fun,” he said. “Playing in March is a dream come true, and you just have to cherish it.”