NCAA Men Final Four: UConn aims to dominate fun stories in thrilling lineup

UConn faces challenges on the way to the Final Four, but remains a strong favorite to win it all.

The Final Four in Glendale, Arizona marks the culmination of an extraordinary year in college basketball, filled with underdog stories, emotional coaches, and unexpected magic at every turn of the bracket. However, the 2024 edition of the Final Four presents a unique challenge for the UConn Huskies, who seem impervious to the enchantment of the tournament.

Despite facing setbacks like flight delays, the Huskies have dominated their opponents, winning by an average of 27.8 points in their four tournament games. Coach Dan Hurley and his team finally arrived in Phoenix in the early hours of Thursday, ready to face a field of feel-good stories.

Purdue, led by the towering Zach Edey, returns to the Final Four for the first time since 1980, seeking redemption after a disappointing early exit as a No. 1 seed last season. Alabama, UConn's upcoming opponent, has rebuilt its roster from scratch and made its first Final Four appearance in program history. North Carolina State, reminiscent of the 1983 championship team, defied expectations and fought their way to the tournament with determination and grit.

While these teams have compelling narratives, the spotlight remains on UConn, boasting a remarkable 35-3 record and a 10-game winning streak in the tournament. Despite losing key players from their championship team, the Huskies have thrived on the contributions of freshmen and strategic acquisitions. Coach Hurley credits their success to a combination of player development and adaptability in the changing landscape of college basketball.

As the Final Four approaches, UConn stands as the favorite to win it all, a testament to their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The road to victory may not be easy, but the Huskies have made it look effortless, showcasing their ability to navigate the challenges of modern college basketball with grace and poise.