Dan Hurley, the younger brother of basketball legend Bobby Hurley, has made a name for himself in the basketball world by winning back-to-back national championships with the UConn Huskies. However, growing up in a family of basketball royalty also brought its own set of challenges. Being constantly compared to his Hall of Fame father, Bob Hurley, who won 26 state championships as head coach at St. Anthony High School, and his successful older brother, Dan sometimes struggled with the pressure.
Despite his success at St. Anthony, Hurley’s struggles began when he went to play for Seton Hall. The pressure from fans and the media in the northeast, along with his own self-destructive behavior, led him to sabotage his own career. Hurley admits to drinking and partying excessively during his time at Seton Hall, which prevented him from reaching his full potential as a player. However, he believes that these experiences have ultimately benefited his coaching career as he pours all of his energy and commitment into coaching now.
Hurley, an advocate for mental health awareness, now relies on his faith and other resources to keep himself grounded. Understanding the importance of seeking help from therapists and counselors, Hurley talks openly about the need to address mental health issues and not be afraid to seek professional help when needed. His spirituality as a Christian and his faith in God have also played a significant role in helping him cope with the pressures and challenges he faces in his personal and professional life.
Hurley reflects on the difficulties of growing up in a household where he made the same commitments and sacrifices as his father and brother, but did not achieve the same level of success. He acknowledges that the pressure to live up to his family’s legacy was immense, especially in a time before social media where criticism came through newspapers. Despite the challenges he faced in his playing career, Hurley now uses those experiences to fuel his coaching career and to guide and mentor young players through the highs and lows of the sport.
His dedication to coaching and commitment to helping others navigate the challenges of mental health have become central themes in Hurley’s life. By openly discussing his own struggles and the importance of seeking help when needed, Hurley hopes to break the stigma surrounding mental health for men and encourage others to prioritize their well-being. Through his faith, professional resources, and personal experiences, Dan Hurley continues to lead by example and inspire others to take care of their mental health.
