Huskies Launch 2025-26 Season Monday at Gampel Pavilion
The UConn men’s basketball team, ranked No. 4 nationally, begins its 2025-26 season on Monday, welcoming New Haven to Gampel Pavilion. This matchup marks the start of the 123rd season in the program’s rich history and the eighth year under Coach Dan Hurley’s leadership. UConn, a six-time national champion, has made five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and is once again positioned in the preseason Top-10 for the third year in a row.
Game Details
The season opener will be broadcast live on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. with commentators Brendan Glasheen and Tim Welsh providing the coverage.
Recent Performances
In preparation for the new season, UConn had a successful exhibition series. They secured a 71-52 victory against Boston College on October 13 at Mohegan Sun and triumphed over No. 22 Michigan State with a score of 77-69 on October 28 in Hartford.
Challenging Schedule Ahead
This season, the Huskies face a challenging lineup, taking on six high-major opponents, including five ranked in the Preseason AP Top 25.
Key Players Returning
- UConn retains nearly 60% of last season’s scoring.
- Three of their top four scorers are back, including:
- Solo Ball: Averaged 14.4 points per game last season, recognized for his exceptional 3-point shooting.
- Alex Karaban: A starter on the 2023 and 2024 national championship teams, named to multiple prestigious watch lists.
- Tarris Reed Jr.: Last season’s BIG EAST Sixth Man of the Year, known for his rebounding ability.
New Additions
The roster includes a total of 10 newcomers, prominently featuring three point guards:
- Silas Demary Jr.: Former Georgia player with a notable scoring average.
- Malachi Smith: Four-year Dayton player recognized for his assist skills and shooting accuracy.
- Alec Millender: Transferring to UConn after his tenure at IU Indy.
Additionally, UConn welcomes McDonald’s All-Americans Braylon Mullins and Eric Reibe, both of whom showcased their skills in recent exhibitions. The team also adds international prospects Rrezon Elezaj and Jacob Furphy, among others.
Opposition Overview
New Haven, aiming for a strong start, is making its Division 1 debut after joining the Northeast Conference (NEC). Their head coach, Ted Hotaling, is entering his 15th season, and the Chargers are coming off a challenging 12-17 record in the Northeast-10.
Next Steps
Following the season opener against New Haven, UConn will play UMass Lowell at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford on Friday, November 7.
The upcoming season offers UConn a chance to build on its recent successes while introducing new talent to the spotlight. Fans are eager to see how both the returning and new players will perform as they look to make an impact in this highly competitive season.
