The UConn Huskies have added some serious talent in recent days since their second-round exit in the NCAA Tournament. The Big East program lost to the eventual national champion Florida Gators, but head coach Dan Hurley has the team already looking forward to a possible rebound in 2025 with transfer portal success.
Dayton guard Malachi Smith is transferring to UConn, the Huskies confirmed Monday. Smith spent the past four seasons at Dayton and averaged 9.3 points, 5.3 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals for the Flyers across 86 games (77 starts).
The 2025-26 UConn Huskies men’s basketball backcourt got another major boost on Monday when the six-time national champions landed Dayton guard Malachi Smith via the transfer portal.
UConn’s defense of back-to-back titles fell short to the eventual national champions, Florida. Hurley wouldn’t stay down for long, adding star Georgia transfer Silas Demary Jr.
The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (5-5) came up close to topping the No. 22 Dayton Flyers (10-2), losing 65-66. Oh, So Close With 37 seconds left in the game, Dayton’s Malachi Smith got a fast break layup to give Dayton the one point lead.
Malachi Smith's three-point play with eight seconds remaining rescued No. 22 Dayton in a 66-65 victory against visiting UNLV on Tuesday night. Nate Santos scored 14 points, Zed Key had 13 points, Smith finished with 11 points and five assists and reserve Amael L'Etang added 10 points in the Flyers' first game of the season as a ranked team.