UConn’s Dan Hurley gives unfortunate update for Big East Tournament

UConn Huskies men's basketball coach Dan Hurley at Seton Hall game

...

Matthew Couden

By Matthew Couden

Contributing Writer

See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.

Dan Hurley and the UConn Huskies are preparing for another run in the NCAA Tournament, but first they will have to play in this week's Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden.

The team has shown promise at times this season, defeating opponents like Kansas and BYU out of conference, and the St. John's Red Storm in dominant fashion at home last month. They more recently suffered a disappointing season-ending road loss to the Marquette Golden Eagles.

Despite a handful of losses along the way, UConn remains among the best in the Big East, with a No. 2 seed in the upcoming tournament after losing only three conference games.

Read More on NCAA

However, a recent update from head coach Hurley brought potential bad news for their goal of winning the Big East Tournament and could even put a damper on their run towards the National Championship.

UConn Huskies men's basketball coach Dan Hurley at Seton Hall game

...

The Hartford Courant's UConn beat reporter Joe Arruda recently shared Hurley's update on forward Jaylin Stewart, a valuable member of the Huskies' lineup. According to Hurley, Stewart isn't available to play in the Big East Tournament, but the head coach said he's hoping he'll be "in line to play" in the first round of the Big Dance.

While the Big East Tournament unfolds this week for the conference championship, the NCAA Tournament is the much more significant situation. UConn is currently projected to be a No. 2 seed in the bracket reveal, and remains among teams lingering around the top six or so contenders to win it all.

Part of UConn's great championship runs has been their bench depth, featuring a plethora of talent that Hurley could swap into games as necessary. Stewart has been valuable in that regard throughout many games, even if not always racking up numbers on the stat sheet like teammates.

Hurley called missing Stewart a "big loss," which bumps up starter Alex Karaban's minutes. He also said they have to get reserve guard Malachi Smith going more in games.

View this post on X

Stewart, a 6-foot-7, 225-pound junior forward, has been out of action for the Huskies' recent games due to a knee injury.
He last appeared in the team’s 73-63 win at Villanova on Feb. 21, recording two three-pointers for six points and grabbing three rebounds in his 13 minutes of action.

He stepped up in the team’s significant games against out-of-conference opponents Arizona and Texas, contributing 10 points in each game. His absence could bring an unfortunate element to UConn's potential March Madness run.

While Hurley has found ways to coach his teams to win even with injured players, having that extra player like Stewart to replace players in foul trouble or who need some rest is always that much more helpful.

UConn opens Big East Tournament play on Thursday evening against the winner of Wednesday's Xavier vs. Marquette first-round game.