**Dan Hurley Confesses Jealousy and Nostalgia for Cooper Flagg: What Could Have Been for UConn?**
In the high-stakes world of college basketball recruiting, there are always those “what if” moments—recruits who nearly came, conversations that almost led to commitments, decisions that altered the future of programs. For UConn head coach Dan Hurley, one name now evokes a mix of admiration, jealousy, and deep nostalgia: Cooper Flagg.
Flagg, the prodigious 6-foot-9 forward widely considered one of the most electrifying prospects in recent memory, committed to Duke in late 2023, sending waves across the college basketball landscape. His decision felt both expected and momentous, as Blue Devils fans celebrated and rival programs, including UConn, were left pondering what could have been. In the time since, Hurley hasn’t shied away from expressing his feelings about the near-miss. In fact, he’s been remarkably candid.
Speaking recently at a UConn alumni event, Hurley was asked about the recruiting pursuit of Flagg and what that experience meant to him and his program. His response was heartfelt and raw, a blend of coach-speak, personal reflection, and honest frustration.
“I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a little jealousy,” Hurley admitted, a half-smile accompanying the sentiment. “You watch that kid play, you see the way he impacts the game—offense, defense, leadership, poise—it’s everything you dream about when you think about building a team. Of course we wanted him. Of course we envisioned him in our jersey, making those plays in Gampel Pavilion instead of Cameron Indoor.”
Hurley’s words struck a chord because they weren’t just about a missed recruit. They were about a vision—a future he had begun to imagine the moment Flagg’s recruitment gained steam and UConn found itself in the conversation. At one point, the idea of Flagg choosing the Huskies wasn’t that far-fetched. Hurley and his staff made a compelling case, leaning on UConn’s championship pedigree, NBA player development, and a culture of toughness and family. There were conversations, visits, and plenty of hope.
For a brief period, Hurley allowed himself to dream about what it might be like to unleash Cooper Flagg in his system. To have Flagg’s court vision, rim protection, and fearless scoring ability complement a UConn roster already brimming with talent and tenacity. The idea of Flagg as the centerpiece of a potential three-peat—a dynasty in the making—was intoxicating.
“It’s not like we ever bank on landing a kid like that,” Hurley said. “You’ve got to be realistic in this game. But when you’re that close, when you’re in the room and you can see the possibility… yeah, it sticks with you.”
What makes Flagg’s case even more poignant is how effortlessly he has transitioned into the national spotlight. Even before he played a single minute at Duke, he was already commanding attention, selling out arenas for exhibitions, and appearing on the cover of magazines. His style of play, equal parts finesse and fire, would have made him a perfect fit in Hurley’s aggressive, high-motor system. And Hurley knows it.
“Look, he’s special,” Hurley said. “And I’m not just talking about basketball. He’s got that presence. The way he carries himself, the way his teammates feed off him. He makes the game easier for everyone around him. That’s not something you can teach. You either have it or you don’t. And Cooper has it.”
The Flagg saga has become a kind of symbolic fork in the road for UConn—an example of how close the Huskies were to adding a once-in-a-generation talent to an already elite program. In the wake of back-to-back national titles, UConn had arguably as strong a case as any school in the country. And yet, in the end, the pull of Duke—the legacy, the spotlight, the Brotherhood—proved too strong.
Still, for Hurley, the pursuit wasn’t a loss. If anything, it validated UConn’s status as a true powerhouse in modern college hoops. “We were in the fight,” he said. “That means something. There was a time not too long ago when UConn wasn’t getting those calls. Now we’re right there in the mix with Duke, Kentucky, Kansas. That’s a testament to what we’ve built.”
Indeed, Hurley has reshaped the Huskies into a machine—relentless, gritty, and fearless on the biggest stages. The players who did commit—guys like Donovan Clingan, Stephon Castle, and Alex Karaban—have all flourished under his guidance. And there’s a strong argument to be made that Hurley doesn’t need a singular superstar like Flagg to keep winning titles. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t occasionally wonder.
“You try not to dwell on it,” Hurley said. “But I’m human. I see the highlights, I see the box scores. I think, ‘Damn, that could’ve been us.’ I mean, imagine Cooper Flagg in a Huskies jersey? That’s the kind of thing that keeps you up at night—but in a good way.”
It’s a rare thing to hear a high-profile coach speak so openly about a recruit who chose another school. Most would offer a boilerplate response—“great player, wish him well”—and move on. But Hurley’s transparency has only endeared him more to UConn fans, who appreciate his passion and authenticity.
There’s also an element of pride in how he reflects on Flagg’s growth. Hurley isn’t bitter. He genuinely admires the young man’s talent and impact. And as much as he wishes Flagg had chosen UConn, there’s a sense of respect for the process—and for the player.
“I root for him,” Hurley said. “Maybe not when we play them, obviously. But I want to see him succeed. He’s good for the game. He plays the right way. He’s about team, about competing. That’s what you want college basketball to be.”
As for the future, Hurley isn’t letting one missed recruit alter his mission. The Huskies continue to land top-tier talent and develop players at an elite level. Their identity is stronger than ever, and their culture remains a draw for the next wave of stars.
Still, the memory of Flagg—the vision of what could have been—isn’t going anywhere. It lingers, not as a regret, but as a reminder of how close UConn came to adding a generational piece to an already formidable puzzle.
In many ways, it’s a tribute to Hurley’s own ascent. The fact that Cooper Flagg even considered UConn seriously speaks volumes about the program’s place in the college basketball hierarchy. That Hurley speaks about it with such emotion only reinforces how much he’s invested—not just in winning, but in building something special.
“I don’t look at it as a loss,” Hurley said. “I look at it as a sign of how far we’ve come. And I’ll keep chasing guys like Cooper. Because that’s what UConn basketball is about now—chasing greatness.”
As the new season approaches and Flagg begins his journey at Duke, UConn will continue to chase banners and build legacies. But somewhere in the quiet moments, Dan Hurley may still picture Flagg in blue and white—not the dark blue of Duke, but the proud Husky blue of Storrs. And in that daydream, you can bet the scoreboard is lit, the fans are roaring, and UConn is marching toward yet another title.
