For the second straight year, the UConn men’s basketball unveiled a national championship banner at Gampel Pavilion. After their season opener, a 92-56 win over in-state foe Sacred Heart, the Huskies confirmed that they have a great shot at a third consecutive banner.

Alex Karaban, who returned to Storrs after a brief flirtation with the NBA, scored 20 points, and freshman Liam McNeeley added a double-double to lead the way. McNeeley had 18 points and 10 rebounds. Solo Ball and Tarris Reed Jr also scored in double figures.

UConn begins the season ranked number three in the AP poll, behind Kansas and Alabama. What may be most impressive as Hurley and the Huskies go for a three-peat, is they actually have a legitimate chance. 

After becoming the first men’s team to repeat since Florida in 2006 and 2007, UConn can enter the realm of John Wooden and UCLA and match the last three-peat by the Bruins from 1971-73, the end of a stretch of seven straight titles. 

Being ranked number three despite losing four starters shows Hurley not only has the hardware, but is keeping UConn atop on the court, and off with NIL and recruiting. 

For all of the program’s success the last 25 years, being consistently a Final Four favorite, national title contender and top five team, has not happened. It is great news for UConn fans that Hurley has them in this position. 

That doesn’t mean a three-peat and seventh national championship banner will happen. But the consistency in contention should be celebrated and enjoyed all season.