How UConn is following 'similar script' to repeat as national champions

No team has repeated as national champions since the 2006-07 Florida Gators, but the 2023-24 Connecticut Huskies are on a similar path. 

"These Huskies didn't return five starters like the 2006-07 Gators — no one does in today's game — but UConn is following a similar script," wrote ESPN's Joe Lunardi. "And the Huskies have been just as dominant during their current 14-game winning streak, leaving little doubt they'll be favored to defend their NCAA title. You want Connecticut or the field next month? These Huskies are making it a very tough question."

As of Wednesday, FanDuel gives the No. 1 Huskies (24-2) the best odds (+450) to win the national championship. 

During their 14-game win streak, they've throttled ranked opponents, such as No. 15 Crieghton and No. 7 Marquette. Per ESPN's Basketball Power Index, they have the best record (11-1) against top-50 opponents. 

Lunardi noted the Gators won 17 straight games. They would lose three of their last five regular-season games before rolling through the SEC tournament and NCAA Tournament, where they won nine straight games by 16 points or more.

Winning back-to-back titles is extremely difficult. Seven schools have accomplished this feat. The 1991-92 Duke Blue Devils are the only other team to repeat since the NCAA expanded to the 64-team bracket in 1985. Last season, Arkansas bounced defending national champion Kansas in the second round of March Madness.    

Regardless, UConn head coach Dan Hurley signaled his team is determined to hold onto its crown. On Monday, he told ESPN's Scott Van Pelt his team wants "to reign more like champions would."