UConn Dan Hurley maintained his position as one of college basketball’s most lively coaches during Tuesday night’s 80-78 overtime win over Butler after having some choice words for a referee.
Late in the first half, Hurley got heated with the referee during a timeout when he thought there was a foul on a defensive rebound attempt. As the official began walking away, Hurley yelled, “Don’t turn your back on me. I’m the best coach in the f—— sport.”
The moment quickly went viral on social media, sending internet lip readers into a frenzy.
He was making his point pic.twitter.com/kfYOPMEmF5
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) January 22, 2025
When asked about the moment after the game, Hurley said, “I want some level of communication” from the officials.
Hurley also addressed how much broadcasts show him during games and said he wishes other Big East coaches got more camera time.
“I just wish they put the camera on the other coach more,” Hurley said. “I just wish they would show these other coaches losing their minds at the officials in other Big East games that I’m coaching. … Going into a timeout when I’m not talking to officials, I see other coaches as demonstrative as I am. … I’ve created this for myself. I’m not a victim. I just wish they didn’t have the camera on me 90 percent of the time.”
Dan Hurley is HYPE 🙌 🤩 @UConnMBB pic.twitter.com/5H8CNR4AiX
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) January 22, 2025
UConn outlasted Butler in overtime to avoid a second straight loss at home. The Huskies were up 39-31 at halftime, but Butler stormed back with 6:50 left in the game and eventually took a two-point lead. UConn’s Alex Karaban tied the game with a jumper with 1:43 remaining, and neither team scored again until overtime. Karaban posted five points in OT to help the Huskies clinch the win.
UConn improved to 14-5 overall and 6-2 in conference play, while Butler fell to 8-11 (1-7 Big East).
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(Photo: David Butler II / Imagn Images)
