In a stunning display of coaching prowess, Dan Hurley has steered the University of Connecticut men's basketball team to great heights this season. Despite facing multiple challenges, including losing key players and fierce competition from other top-ranked teams, Hurley has managed to secure the outright Big East title with a week remaining in the regular season, cementing his spot as one of the strongest contenders for the CBS Sports National Coach of the Year award.

Last preseason, UConn went unranked, but under Hurley's leadership, the team not only won the national championship but also incorporated a combination of transfers and freshmen to mitigate the loss of three of their top scorers. Now boasting a remarkable record of 26-3, UConn's recent 91-61 victory over Seton Hall sealed their first outright Big East title since 1999.

Speaking after the game, Hurley remarked on the immense challenge of maintaining excellence in a competitive league over the course of several months. His ability to navigate the demanding and brutal nature of the sport has undoubtedly contributed to the team's success.

While Purdue retains its position at the top of the CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 daily college basketball rankings, Hurley's UConn remains steadfastly placed as the No. 2 team. Purdue's impressive body of work, including eight wins over top-ranked opponents, continues to solidify their position as the best team in the sport. It is important to note, however, that there is little disparity between the resumes of Purdue, UConn, and Houston, all of whom have demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the season.

Looking ahead to the upcoming NCAA Tournament, it appears highly likely that Purdue, UConn, and Houston will secure No. 1 seeds based on their impressive records. With all three teams holding a 10-3 record in Quadrant 1 and no losses outside of Q1, they are undoubtedly formidable contenders for the No. 1 overall seed.

As the regular season nears its end, Dan Hurley's accomplishments as head coach of UConn's basketball program have undoubtedly caught the attention of fans and experts alike. His ability to mold a previously unranked team into title contenders, navigate challenging circumstances, and secure the Big East crown has solidified his position as a leading candidate for the prestigious Coach of the Year award.

As Selection Sunday approaches, it will be fascinating to see how these top-ranked teams fare in the upcoming NCAA Tournament and whether Dan Hurley's coaching prowess will continue to shine on the national stage. Without a doubt, UConn's success this season serves as a testament to Hurley's remarkable abilities as a coach.