The relationship between UConn coach Dan Hurley and Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley has developed from a sibling rivalry to becoming a part of the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Whatever early disagreements they had were resolved, and their mutual love of basketball helped them become closer. Bobby will be in the stands supporting his brother, who will be on the sideline trying to coach the Huskies over San Diego State for Connecticut’s fifth national championship, during the NCAA Men’s Division I Championship game on Monday at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Their close relationship will be on display.
Bobby recalled, “Our connection was like that of typical brothers, highly competitive, fighting all the time, doing havoc and the entire thing. “When we grew older, around the ages of 18, 19, and 20, we essentially became best buddies. We had a change in our relationship, and ever since then, we have been really supportive of one another and genuinely care about one other.
In the basketball family, rivalry was inevitable. At Saint Anthony’s in New Jersey, where he was a four-time USA Today national champion, a three-time USA Today Coach of the Year, and won 28 state titles, their father, Bob Hurley, developed into one of the top high school coaches.
Bob observed the sibling rivalry develop over a number of contests.
They are 18 months apart yet are usually close, he added. “They shared a bedroom and participated in everything together, including Wiffle Ball games, go-kart races and practise sessions. There was perpetual competition, which persisted through the years.
The conflict transformed into a loving and respectful partnership. Bobby and Dan become close after they both enrolled in college. There wasn’t a turning point in their relationship, according to Bobby, but their common bond was playing collegiate basketball.
“When we were both in college and developing, and just getting older, and both doing our own things, with me at Duke and my brother at Seton Hall (and) then to both be engaged in each other’s path, with what we’re both doing and our success,” he said of the relationship’s growth.
Bobby won two national titles while playing for the Blue Devils from 1989 to 1993, and he went on to become a legend in collegiate basketball. Dan played at Seton Hall from 1991 to 1996. In his final season with the Pirates, he averaged 14.3 points, 5.2 assists, and 2.3 steals.
Bobby was selected seventh overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 1993 draught, following the conclusion of Dan’s playing career. He played with the Kings for five seasons until being moved to the Vancouver Grizzlies in the 1997–98 season after surviving a career-altering near-fatal automobile accident during his rookie year in 1993.
Fortunately for Dan, his brother also entered the coaching profession and has since had head coaching positions at Buffalo and Arizona State. Both programmes have had NCAA tournament runs under his direction.
Bobby stated that watching his brother’s team advance to the championship game reminded him of his team’s upset victory over Arizona on a Desmond Cambridge 60-foot shot in Tucson that kept the Sun Devils’ NCAA tournament hopes alive, despite the Sun Devils losing to TCU in the first round of the tournament.
He said after UConn defeated Miami on Saturday night, “It’s how I felt when I had my arms on my head after Cambridge sank the shot against Arizona. “I mean, it was just how happy I was. It’s difficult to describe. As the ball went into the basket last night, my hand was travelling above my head in a very same manner. That is the most accurate way I can put it.
During some of the greatest games of his career, Bobby travelled to Houston and then to Las Vegas to assist his younger brother. The broadcast showed the Hurley family seated in the stands midway through the first half of the Huskies’ 72-59 victory over the Miami Hurricanes in Saturday’s Final Four.
Dan remarked, “I mean, that means everything to me. He arrived early to both of these occasions—early to Vegas to see me the night before, and early to this location to see me last night.
Bobby has spent more time travelling than he has with his brother in person, but he values the little time they do have together.
Bobby added, “I simply wanted to see him the night before in Vegas. And I don’t want to take up too much of his time because I know how much time he spends planning. Of course, as he prepares his team for the game, but I still wanted to wish them well. I did it in Vegas, and then I did it once more, the night before last night’s game, and I was able to spend a short time with him just to find out how he was doing.
“I am aware of his struggles. I simply wanted to be there for him and be supportive – without taking up too much time. I understand all the emotions and sentiments that come with getting ready to play these sorts of games.
Bob, who feels that his brothers’ shared enthusiasm for the game has contributed to their long-term success, is the one who most knows the intensity both brothers have as a result of their childhood in New Jersey.
“There is a love for that importance when you are growing up in the city, and you have a little bit of flair to play the way you want to. You won’t gain any notice if your game is uninteresting, therefore you need to include some rubbish in it, according to Bob. Having some style is necessary, but not too much because it must still be tied to playing well.
Both their friendship and their coaching careers increased as they advanced. Bobby revealed more about their connection last month after agreeing to his contract renewal.
Since we started doing this, my brother and I have served as each other’s sounding boards, he added. “We chat to each other every day before every game, so we both know how you feel before the game in terms of tension and anxiety. We therefore share a unique bond that not many can comprehend.
Bob is not at all surprised by that relationship.
Bob added, “I know because whenever I talk to any one of them, they’ll tell me about the discussions they just had with the other person. “In our line of work, you want someone you can trust with the constant back-and-forth exchange of information on the myriad factors that go into becoming a college coach.
Who better to confide in, lean on for support, or ask for guidance than your brother, I mean, simply naturally?
The ritual Robert follows with his kids before major games, which he planned to follow with Dan as he prepared for the championship game versus San Diego State, was shared by Bob, who coached both boys at the now-closed Saint Anthony’s.
Our routine is to complete the scouting report and attend all of their activities today up until they return to the hotel, he explained. When I walk outside to watch them warm up, I don’t see them till then.
Hence, Bobby and Dan will spend some time together today, but it will just be for social purposes. We’ll prepare for the game in the bat cave after that.
Dan Hurley made a modest statement that spoke volumes about his connection with his brother as the Hurley family tries to provide their last words of encouragement and counsel prior to the big game.