March Madness: UConn coach Dan Hurley leads his team’s wild locker room celebrations
‘We’re about to get some big rings’: UConn coach Dan Hurley leads his team’s wild locker room celebrations after Huskies beat San Diego State to win fifth national championship title
UConn coach Dan Hurley led his team’s wild national championship celebration Monday night by telling his players, “We’re about to get some big a** rings.”
The Huskies emerged victorious in the March Madness finals, beating San Diego State 76-59 in Houston to seal their fifth national title.
There were frantic scenes on the pitch in the immediate aftermath of the win, and it continued into the dressing rooms as Hurley addressed his players and staff.
In a clip posted on the team’s Instagram page, Hurley told the team, “We’re about to get big rings. A banner, in the exercise room.’
In response, Andre Jackson Jr. to be heard yelling, “That 2023 banner will hang,” before asking, “Coach, coach… a plaque on the wall, too?”
Victorious UConn coach Dan Hurley addressed his team in the locker room after the game
A drenched Hurley turns to the camera, with the cut net draped around his neck
The players and staff celebrate becoming national champions with a victory over San Diego State
From there, water is sprayed across the room, sending the elated players – and the coach – into yet another celebration.
In the aftermath, a drenched Hurley – with the freshly cut net draped around his neck – turns to the camera in celebration.
There were some much more unsavory scenes on the UConn school campus, however, as celebrations spiraled out of control among the team’s fan base.
In wild videos shot in the aftermath of the victory, students set fires, overturned cars and even broke a lamppost before making their way into a building.
In the game itself, Adama Sanogo was the standout star for the Huskies, scoring 17 points with 10 rebounds to earn Most Outstanding Player honors – and, of course, the game ball.
“I need that ball,” he said afterwards. “That’s a ball I want to keep for my children, my grandchildren. I need that ball.’
Tristen Newton, meanwhile, had 19 points, while the biggest name on the team, Jordan Hawkins, came in with 16 points.
UConn’s dominance was too much for San Diego State to handle, and UConn led the entire Houston game.
Andre Jackson Jr (left) asked his coach if there would also be a ‘plaque on the wall’
Donovan Clingan carries assistant coach Luke Murray’s son off the field in Houston
Hurley celebrates after cutting the net in the wake of the Texas Huskies’ big win
Players celebrate after winning the school’s fifth national championship and first since 2014