UConn’s 20-point exhibition win offers an early look at Dan Hurley’s young Huskies

UConn opened its preseason with a 72-52 exhibition win over Syracuse on Tuesday night, and the most encouraging early sign for Dan Hurley may have been how many younger players were ready to contribute.

Na’jai Hines led all scorers with 17 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Nik Khamenia added 12 points and eight rebounds, while Silas Demary Jr. scored 13. The Huskies held Syracuse below 31% shooting from the field, according to UConn’s official recap.

The result is an exhibition, so it should not be treated as a verdict on either team’s season. Still, the performance offered UConn a first chance to test its rotation in a competitive setting, and it showed that several players may be ready for larger roles.

analysis Hines gives UConn a strong frontcourt start

Hines’ line stood out because it combined scoring with interior production. He led the game in points, shared the team high in rebounds and blocked two shots. That is the kind of all-around contribution that can help a team manage the minutes and responsibilities of its frontcourt.

Khamenia also delivered a useful performance, finishing with 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. The sophomore transfer was asked to contribute across the floor, and his line suggests he was involved well beyond scoring.

UConn’s official recap credited a 15-3 run midway through the second half with turning a nine-point lead into a comfortable advantage. The Huskies stretched a 46-37 margin to 61-40, putting the game out of reach.

MORE: Minnesota basketball could get a season-changing answer on Cade Tyson this week

analysis A useful first test, with plenty still to prove

Syracuse’s Sadiq White Jr. led the Orange with 17 points, shooting 6-for-9 from the field. That gives Syracuse something to build on even in a game where its overall offense struggled. The Orange will want to improve their shooting and find more consistent ways to generate offense before the regular season.

For UConn, the exhibition provides a glimpse of potential rather than a finished rotation. Coaches still have to evaluate matchups, consistency and how the younger players handle regular-season pressure. One win cannot answer every question, especially with the season still ahead.

But the opening night was productive for Hurley’s team. UConn defended, got contributions from multiple players and created separation with a decisive second-half stretch. If the Huskies can carry that defensive effort into the regular season, the exhibition will have served its purpose—and the young players who showed up Tuesday will have made a strong first case for meaningful minutes.

analysis More college basketball news:

• Isaiah Evans’ NBA Draft accessories are worth more than his rookie contract
• John Calipari says college athletics is broken — Here’s his plan to fix it
• How Dusty May’s Michigan contract, buyout impacts the Dallas Mavericks