UConn’s Big East Dominance Is Real - But Can the Huskies Make History Again?
The 2023-24 UConn men’s basketball team didn’t just win - they dominated. An 18-2 Big East record, a new league high for single-season wins, and a 37-3 overall mark capped by a second straight national title.
That squad had NBA lottery talent in Steph Castle and Donovan Clingan, plus second-rounders like Cam Spencer - who, by the way, is now thriving as a pro. It was a team that etched its name into the history books.
This season, the Huskies are chasing something different - but no less historic.
Last year’s record-setting Big East campaign now has company. Rick Pitino’s St.
John’s squad matched the 18-win mark this season. Sure, the Red Storm fizzled in the NCAA Tournament’s opening weekend, but a record is a record.
In the Big East ledger, 2024-25 St. John’s stands shoulder to shoulder with 2023-24 UConn.
And you better believe that doesn’t sit quietly with Dan Hurley.
These two coaches - Hurley and Pitino - aren’t exactly exchanging holiday cards. There’s been no shortage of jabs and side-eyes since Pitino returned to the Big East three years ago.
Pitino’s taken issue with Hurley’s sideline antics and constant chatter with officials. Hurley’s response?
Let’s just say it’s been along the lines of, “You, of all people, calling me theatrical?”
So, while Hurley might not say it out loud, you can bet he’d love to reclaim sole ownership of that Big East wins record. Is he plastering the standings in the locker room like he’s done with championship trophies in the past?
Probably not. But don’t think for a second the idea of 19-1 - or even 20-0 - isn’t bouncing around in the back of his mind.
Now, let’s pump the brakes. This is still the Big East.
Even in a down year, it’s a minefield. Going 20-0?
That’s not just rare - it’s bordering on myth.
But... is it impossible?
Let’s take a look at the Huskies’ path.
The Schedule: Where Are the Landmines?
UConn already has a blemish on its record - a home loss to then-No. 1 Arizona.
But that came without Tarris Reed Jr., their top rebounder and second-leading scorer, and without five-star freshman Braylon Mullins. Both are back now, and both looked sharp in Tuesday’s Big East opener, a 19-point win over Butler.
Reed dropped 16 points and swatted three shots. Mullins added 12.
After the game, Butler coach Thad Matta didn’t mince words: “I know they’ve lost a game, but damn, they’re good.”
Sean Miller knows that feeling, too. Now at Texas, Miller saw plenty of UConn while coaching Xavier - seven matchups in three years.
He actually beat the Huskies three times, including twice during their 2022-23 title run. That year, he was the only coach who faced UConn and didn’t lose.
After falling to UConn again last Friday, Miller offered high praise: “Year Two, that’s the best college team I’ve ever seen. I’d put them up there with Coach K’s teams.
They were just incredible. Last year, maybe not as good as the first two.
I would say this year, maybe more on par with that first team I coached against. I don’t know if you can build that second team again.
That one was amazing.”
So where’s the danger on this year’s Big East slate?
Let’s start with the obvious: road games. No matter how strong a team is, conference road trips are never automatic. And while UConn has handled business so far, there are potholes ahead.
- St. John’s: The Pitino factor makes both meetings - at MSG and in Hartford - must-watch.
Expect fireworks.
- Villanova, Creighton, Marquette: Even in down years, these are tough outposts.
The buildings are loud, the fans are smart, and the teams know how to scrap.
- Providence: Border rival, unpredictable atmosphere, and a team that’s better than its 7-5 record suggests.
- Seton Hall: Hurley’s alma mater has been a house of horrors for UConn. The Huskies have lost four straight at Prudential Center, including last season - one of just two Big East wins for the Hall all year.
And don’t sleep on Butler. Yes, Tuesday’s game was lopsided, but the Bulldogs have come close in the past.
They’ve never beaten UConn - 0-12 all-time, 0-11 in the Big East - but Hinkle Fieldhouse is no picnic. The Huskies escaped with three- and four-point wins there the past two years.
Even Xavier, picked ninth in the preseason, is coached by Richard Pitino - Rick’s son. That adds a little extra spice to their December 31 showdown.
And let’s not forget UConn’s January swoon in 2022-23, when they dropped five of eight games during the month. Could it happen again? It’s unlikely - but not out of the question.
The Big East Landscape
The league isn’t what it was two years ago, when five teams danced in March. In 2022-23, UConn went 13-7 in a stacked Big East. Last season’s 18-2 run came in a slightly thinner field, with only Marquette and Creighton joining them in the NCAA Tournament.
This year? St.
John’s and UConn look like locks. Villanova, Seton Hall, and Butler are hovering on the bubble.
Marquette and Creighton - typically mainstays - don’t look like themselves.
So yes, the door is open for a historic run.
But Hurley isn’t talking about 19-1 or 20-0. At least not publicly.
Before Tuesday’s game, he insisted his focus was strictly on the next opponent. That’s classic coach-speak, but let’s be real - Hurley knows the landscape.
He’s one of the most plugged-in minds in college hoops. He knows the history.
He knows what’s at stake.
Last year, he came up short in his quest to become just the second coach ever to win three straight national titles. A Big East record all to himself? That would be a pretty sweet consolation prize.
So... Can They Do It?
Let’s be clear: going 18-2 again would be a massive achievement. Matching last year’s dominance won’t be easy.
Even with a lighter conference, UConn has targets on their backs. Every team brings their best shot.
But 19-1? 20-0?
Impossible?
Maybe.
But these Huskies are built to challenge the impossible.