Huskies Fans Eagerly Await Marquee Matchups in Stacked 2023-24 Schedule

The UConn men's basketball team's full schedule, along with the rest of the Big East conference, was recently released, sparking immediate excitement among Huskies fans. The defending back-to-back national champions face a challenging slate of games, including hosting ranked Baylor at home and taking on St. John's at the Garden. Our sports writers share their thoughts on the one game they're most looking forward to, both in and out of conference play.

Anticipation Builds for Clash with Longhorns

Sam Calhoun: Dec. 8 at Texas

As a lifelong UConn basketball fan, I've always relished the matchups between the Huskies and the Texas Longhorns. The early 2010s provided some unforgettable moments, like the 2010 upset of the top-ranked Longhorns at Gampel Pavilion, which resulted in a court storm in the Basketball Capital of the World. The following season's game in Austin was equally thrilling, with Kemba Walker continuing to captivate the college basketball world.This year's clash with Texas promises to be another highly anticipated showdown. The Longhorns are poised to be a formidable opponent in their first season as part of the SEC, led by former Creighton forward Arthur Kaluma and five-star freshman Tre Johnson. It will also be a homecoming game for Huskies player Liam McNeeley, who hails from just 200 miles north of the state's capital. This matchup could very well be UConn's toughest test in their non-conference slate, making it a must-watch event for Huskies fans.

Measuring Up Against the Big 12's Best

Matt Dimech: Dec. 4 vs Baylor

There was a lot of buzz this summer surrounding the possibility of UConn making a move from the Big East to the Big 12 conference. While that change ultimately did not come to fruition, the Huskies' upcoming clash with Baylor presents an opportunity to test their mettle against one of the premier teams in the Big 12.The Bears are the defending national champions, having won the title in 2021, and they've continued to find success in the subsequent seasons, winning tournament games each year. Baylor is expected to be one of the best teams in the nation this year, having added highly touted prospect V.J. Edgecombe and Duke transfer Jeremy Roach to their roster. Paired with their returning stars Jayden Nunn and Langston Love, the Bears will undoubtedly provide a formidable challenge for Dan Hurley's squad.This matchup will give UConn a chance to showcase their championship pedigree against a top-tier Big 12 opponent. It's a game that will have the attention of college basketball fans across the country, as the defending champs look to make a statement against one of the sport's powerhouses.

Huskies Seek Revenge in Paradise

Ryan Lombardi: Nov. 25 vs Memphis

As a college basketball enthusiast, I always look forward to the excitement of the preseason tournaments, especially the prestigious Maui Invitational. In the first round, UConn will face a familiar foe in the form of former American Athletic Conference opponent Memphis, led by head coach Penny Hardaway.The Tigers' 2022-23 season was a bit of a rollercoaster ride. They were ranked as high as No. 10 in the nation at one point, but a rough stretch in January ultimately led to a fifth-place finish in the AAC. This offseason has been marked by significant changes to Memphis' coaching staff, as well as various off-the-court issues, leaving the team's outlook somewhat uncertain.With so much uncertainty surrounding the Tigers, their first real test of the season will come against the back-to-back national champions. UConn will be eager to make a statement in this matchup, as they look to avenge their previous losses to Memphis. The Huskies will have the opportunity to prove their championship mettle against a team that has been a thorn in their side in recent years, making this an intriguing and potentially pivotal early-season clash.

Huskies Seek Redemption Against Creighton

Tyler Pruneau: Feb. 11 at Creighton

While the out-of-conference matchups always generate excitement and attention, the in-conference games hold a special significance for UConn fans. When the Huskies take on Creighton, it's like a tournament game, as these two teams have developed a fierce rivalry in recent years.In the last two seasons, Creighton has made deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, reaching the Elite Eight in 2021 and the Sweet Sixteen in 2022. Their success has made them a formidable opponent for the Huskies, with the teams splitting their season series over the past two years.Last season, UConn managed to overcome a 14-point deficit to defeat Creighton in their first meeting, but the Bluejays exacted their revenge in the second game, handing the Huskies a 19-point loss. As the 2024-25 season approaches, the Huskies will be eager to secure a season sweep against Creighton and continue their quest for a three-peat national championship.This matchup promises to be a hard-fought, high-intensity affair, as both teams look to establish their dominance in the Big East. For UConn fans, it's a chance to see their beloved Huskies take on a perennial tournament contender, with the potential for another classic clash between these two powerhouses.