UConn Men's Basketball Commenced Official Team Practices
The Huskies opened their 2026-2027 season preparations at the Werth Family Champions Center this week.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Basketball
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UConn men's basketball began official team practices on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, as the program integrates a young core into its championship-focused rotation. Head coach Dan Hurley is prioritizing the development of a roster that features six freshmen and sophomores among its top nine players.
Why it matters
Developing young talent is critical for the program as Dan Hurley seeks to maintain UConn's competitive standing and contend for national championships this season. The coaching staff is utilizing rigorous 5-on-5 drills to integrate new additions into the team's high-intensity system.
The team conducted practice sessions lasting 3 hours to prepare for a non-conference schedule that features 7 Power Four opponents. Six of the top nine rotation players are either freshmen or sophomores.
The players
Dan Hurley
Dan Hurley serves as the head coach of the UConn men's basketball team and has led the program for nine seasons.
Braylon Mullins
Braylon Mullins is a team member currently sidelined due to a minor injury sustained during the preseason.
Jordan Hawkins
Jordan Hawkins is a player participating in team workouts at the Werth Family Champions Center.
Silas Demary Jr.
Silas Demary Jr. is a member of the basketball team who recently switched his uniform to No. 5.
The details
While Braylon Mullins remains sidelined with a minor injury, he is expected to return to the court in 7 to 10 days. Players like Jordan Hawkins have been actively working out at the Werth Family Champions Center, while Silas Demary Jr. recently debuted his new No. 5 jersey.
Timeline
UConn began its offseason development workouts in June 2026.
Official team practices commenced on September 22, 2026.
Braylon Mullins is expected to return between September 29 and October 2, 2026.
The Huskies face Syracuse in an exhibition game on October 13, 2026.
A national title game rematch against Michigan is scheduled for November 6, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The program is attempting to sustain its championship-level performance despite integrating a high volume of underclassmen into key roles. Success this season will hinge on how quickly these young players acclimate to the intensity of Hurley's rotation against a demanding non-conference slate.
The shift to a younger rotation means fans can expect varying efficiency levels as the coaching staff rotates six underclassmen in the top nine spots. Braylon Mullins' return to the court in early October will be a key indicator of the team's depth heading into the exhibition opener.
The takeaway
Maintaining a championship culture requires balancing the integration of young talent with the demands of a high-difficulty non-conference schedule. Successful teams often use these early practice weeks to establish defensive habits that carry through the postseason.
What happens next
UConn is scheduled to play an exhibition game against Syracuse on October 13, 2026, followed by a high-profile rematch against Michigan on November 6, 2026.
Further reading
For more news on the Huskies, visit the Basketball section.
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