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Jeff Borzello, ESPN staff writer
GLENDALE, Ariz. — After taking some time — and a few hours of sleep — to reflect on UConn's travel woes, coach Dan Hurley said Thursday that the Huskies “have gotten over it” and are “lucky to be here.”
UConn did not arrive in Phoenix until 3:15 a.m. local time Thursday — hours after it originally expected to land — after mechanical problems and flight delays.
“It was beautiful,” Hurley joked Thursday. “A lot of thoughts because I've had a lot of time to think about a static situation. I think what goes through your mind is that once you're done kind of complaining and cursing and mumbling, you start saying to yourself, 'You don't deserve to show this entitlement. It's a great honor to have “For the opportunity — a once-in-a-lifetime experience — to play in the Final Four, and coach in the Final Four.” Once that edge faded, [it was, ‘We’re] Lucky to be here. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to play in the Final Four.
“Who doesn't deal with airline problems? … But it's bad.”
The flight was originally scheduled to take off from Bradley International Airport at around 6pm on Wednesday, but was delayed until 11.30pm due to mechanical problems. Hurley posted on X around 1 a.m. ET that the plane had not yet taken off.
The NCAA announced at approximately 3:25 a.m. local time that UConn had landed safely, saying the additional delay was due to weather in Connecticut.
“I thought a lot. It escalated. I had my head in my hands a lot,” Hurley said. “It was a real thoughtful exercise from 11:30 to 1:45 on the runway. It was therapeutic to watch the snow clearing out the window.”
Hurley said they adjusted their schedule upon arrival. The players slept later than usual and studied film at the hotel, but arrived at State Farm Stadium for filming to get used to the larger venue.
“I mean, listen, these guys were getting in a truck and driving 14 hours to Peach Jam, and playing two hours later,” Hurley said, referring to Nike's popular signature basketball event. “There's no excuses. I mean, s—, I was driving a cheese minivan to middle school games not too long ago. We're in the Final Four here, man. We have a chance to advance, and repeat as national champions.” Make history. “We're past that—.”
UConn faces Alabama on Saturday in the second game of two national semifinal contests. The Huskies are aiming to become their first back-to-back national champions since the Florida Gators in 2006 and 2007.
As for rest and recovery, Hurley said he slept two hours on the plane and two hours at the hotel.
“This is why God created caffeine.”
