URI’s Dan Hurley Talks Hoops As Rutgers Speculation Builds
Wednesday, April 03, 2013
As college basketball’s Final Four approaches, GoLocalProv.com is catching up with our four division one men’s basketball coaches in the state of Rhode Island to get their thoughts on this weeken’s match-ups as well as their own programs.
With his first season at the University of Rhode Island in the books, we start with men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley who shared his thoughts on the season past, the present and future of URI basketball and the Final Four with GoLocalProv.com. Here’s a look at some of Hurley’s comments:
On the 2012-2013 season:
“Obviously we’re proud of the effort but disappointed in the results. I certainly understood the situation coming in. We used this year to establish an identity of competitiveness and to identify who we can win with moving forward. It was about developing good practice habits, teaching them how to study film and to increase our expectations for academic performance.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTOn the expectations for a strong 2013-2014 season:
“I think that everyone should be excited. We’re finally going to look like an A-10 or a real college basketball program next year in terms of our depth and athleticism. At times this past year was a fight for survival. Being down 5 sometimes felt like we were down 20. We knew this wasn’t going to happen overnight but we’re excited about what’s to come.”
On losing and replacing brother Bobby Hurley:
“Obviously this is personal because Bob is my brother and we’re a close family. We’re gonna miss Bob. He was great on the court, he helped with recruiting, was an excellent coach on the court. We both put so much emotion into coaching. As for replacing him, I’ve never been one to make irrational decisions. I’ll take my time with this. I’ll evaluate my staff and what is the best combination of qualities for the program. I’ll continue to have conversations with people that I have identified as possible candidates but don’t want to put a timetable on it.”
What are the chances that URI will have Buffalo on the non-conference schedule?:
“Zero! Not a chance! The only way that happens is if we meet in a postseason tournament like the NCAA or the NIT. If it’s the NCAA, hopefully we’re a 2-seed and they’re a 15.” [laughter]
On the Final Four this weekend:
“John Beilein (Michigan) is probably my favorite coach in college basketball. I love what he does offensively. They’re skilled players that play with great discipline. The have an outstanding point guard (Tre Burke) and shooters that should help them against the Syracuse zone. Their one issue may be that they lack that skilled forward to get in the high post versus the zone. You need a big man with size and the ability to pass from the high post if you want to attack that 2-3 zone.”
“Wichita State is one of the best coached teams in the country. They’re a physical, tough team that has versatility. However, Louisville’s style, mindset and talent seem to be on a different level than everyone else right now.”
On the state of college basketball:
“This was a great year to be good in college basketball because there was so much parity. And I think what we’re finding out it that conference affiliation may not be as important as it once was. It’s more about doing a good job of recruiting, building a solid program and creative scheduling.”
Hurley To Rutgers?:
Obviously, Rhody fans probably want to know about whether or not Hurley would be interested in the vacant Rutgers post but GoLocalProv.com was asked not to discuss that issue with Hurley and we obliged.
As most of you know, Mike Rice was terminated by Rutgers meaning they will be looking for a new men’s basketball coach. This writer speculated that Hurley could be one of the leading candidates for that job should it open up as it now has. You can read that February 25, 2013 GoLocalProv.com story here and see that it could very well be playing itself out as we speak.
Today NorthJersey.com’s John Rowe had Hurley on his short list of potential candidates which you can read here. Yahoo Sports is also claiming that Rutgers is targeting Hurley and that he is the "top choice" of embattled AD Tim Pernetti. You can read the yahoo story here.
We shall see how things play out in Hurley’s home state of New Jersey over the next few weeks. However, it is clear that Dan Hurley’s focus is on his program here at URI and the things he needs to do to make it better.
He is certainly off to a good start.
