The UConn Huskies, under head coach Dan Hurley, are back in the Big East conversation—but not without triggering some confusion. UConn’s performance this season has been a rollercoaster of dominance, inconsistency, and flashes of brilliance. With an 8-3 record and second place in the Big East standings, the reigning champions are making teams pause and reassess their expectations. For fans and analysts alike, one question looms large: just how good can UConn be this year?

According to a recent episode of The Mark Titus Show, this uncertainty was at the forefront of discussion. Co-host Tate Frazier asked, “What about UConn though? Has UConn shown you Big East-wise? Are they back?” Titus, with characteristic honesty, replied, “Yeah. Oh yeah. Yeah.” Yet, he immediately tempered his enthusiasm, acknowledging the lingering unpredictability of the team’s ceiling.

Titus elaborated further: “I still think Marquette has to be the favorite, but UConn’s back to me in this regard… Maui happens, and it feels like, ‘okay, yeah, they’re just going to suck’. I think they’re back to being confusing. I think they’re back for me to being like, I don’t know how good they can actually be.”

The Maui Invitational was indeed a disaster for the Huskies, beginning the tournament with a loss against unranked Memphis. Much like their season so far, it was a confusing run that game. They trailed, tied, and covered up, but Hurley’s antics would play a part in handing them a defeat in the final seconds. It broke the Huskies’ 17-game win streak and marked the beginning of a 3-game losing streak. That was also the moment the Huskies’ defending champions title was questioned.

However, they picked up the very next game, and without their star player, Alex Karaban at that. The team went 99-45 against Maryland Eastern Shore and never trailed past a 2-0 deficit. It is understandable why Titus terms it ‘confusing’. 

In their latest win over Gonzaga, the Huskies showcased why they remain a force to be reckoned with yet again. The stats speak for themselves: UConn shot 45.8% from the field compared to Gonzaga’s 43.9%, edged them in rebounds (35 to 34), and dominated inside the paint with 38 points.

While their three-point shooting left much to be desired—just 5-for-24 from beyond the arc (20.8%)—they made up for it at the free-throw line, converting 18 of 21 attempts at an impressive 85.7%. These gritty performances, combined with sharp defense and fewer turnovers (8 compared to Gonzaga’s 10), have been the foundation of their resurgence.

Has Dan Hurley brought UConn back ?

The “confusion” Titus referred to stems from UConn’s trajectory this season. Early inconsistencies left analysts scratching their heads, unsure what to make of Hurley’s squad. As Titus noted: “You remember the start of the season where I couldn’t make sense of how good UConn was going to be, what the expectation should be for this team.”

Then came the Maui Invitational, where UConn failed to inspire confidence. For a team defending its national title, there were genuine concerns about their ability to replicate last season’s magic. But now, with key victories under their belt and signs of cohesion emerging, UConn appears to be rolling.

For all their success, UConn still faces stiff competition within the Big East. Marquette remains the frontrunner, largely due to their veteran starting five. However, as Titus pointed out, Marquette’s bench is their Achilles’ heel: “Their bench is very young, and I don’t know who I trust on Marquette’s bench.” This vulnerability could open the door for UConn to capitalize, especially as their own rotation begins to solidify.

Statistically, UConn matches up well against top competition. Against Gonzaga, they demonstrated their ability to control the paint, grab crucial rebounds, and limit turnovers. Their defensive intensity—evident in holding opponents to 43.9% shooting—also gives them an edge in tightly contested games.

For now, UConn remains a confusing yet formidable contender. Titus’ words reflect the broader sentiment around the team: “I don’t know how good they can actually be. UConn may still be a puzzle, but they’re one that no team wants to solve come March.