No staff has repeated as nationwide champions because the 2006-07 Florida Gators, however the 2023-24 Connecticut Huskies are on the same path.
“These Huskies did not return 5 starters just like the 2006-07 Gators — nobody does in in the present day’s recreation — however UConn is following the same script,” wrote ESPN’s Joe Lunardi. “And the Huskies have been simply as dominant throughout their present 14-game successful streak, leaving little doubt they will be favored to defend their NCAA title. You need Connecticut or the sphere subsequent month? These Huskies are making it a really powerful query.”
As of Wednesday, FanDuel provides the No. 1 Huskies (24-2) the most effective odds (+450) to win the nationwide championship.
Throughout their 14-game win streak, they’ve throttled ranked opponents, reminiscent of No. 15 Crieghton and No. 7 Marquette. Per ESPN’s Basketball Energy Index, they’ve the most effective file (11-1) in opposition to top-50 opponents.
Lunardi famous the Gators received 17 straight video games. They’d lose three of their final 5 regular-season video games earlier than rolling by means of the SEC event and NCAA Event, the place they received 9 straight video games by 16 factors or extra.
Successful back-to-back titles is extraordinarily troublesome. Seven faculties have achieved this feat. The 1991-92 Duke Blue Devils are the one different staff to repeat because the NCAA expanded to the 64-team bracket in 1985. Final season, Arkansas bounced defending nationwide champion Kansas within the second spherical of March Insanity.
Regardless, UConn head coach Dan Hurley signaled his staff is decided to carry onto its crown. On Monday, he advised ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt his staff desires “to reign extra like champions would.”