Aidan Mahaney Reflects on His UConn Basketball Journey
Aidan Mahaney's basketball journey took an unexpected turn when he returned to California this offseason. After a single season at UConn, his standing in the college basketball world had significantly diminished. Once a key player for Saint Mary's, earning consecutive five-seeds in the NCAA Tournament, Mahaney arrived at UConn as a highly touted transfer. However, his playing time dwindled to less than 25% during Big East conference play, prompting him to seek a new challenge.
Despite the disappointing outcome, Mahaney has no regrets. In an interview with Field of 68, he expressed his willingness to make the same choice again. "I really think that if I were to do it again, I would have chose UConn," he said. "I think it was the spot that inspired me and excited me. I wanted to put myself in the fire and see what I was made of. ...I'm proud of myself for making that step and choosing that decision and not taking the easy way out."
Mahaney's role in the rotation was initially promising, averaging around 20 minutes per game. However, his fortunes took a turn during the Maui Invitational, where he struggled with foul trouble and shooting. The low point came in an overtime loss to Seton Hall, where he played just eight minutes in the following four games. Despite a few efficient performances towards the end of the season, his playing time remained limited.
Mahaney's exit from UConn was swift, but he maintains positive relationships with the team and coaching staff, including Hurley's son, Andrew. He praised Coach Hurley and the entire staff for his personal growth, stating, "Coach Hurley, I've got a lot of love and respect for him and the entire staff as well, just for molding me into a man. I've got nothing but good things to say about Coach Hurley. I know sometimes he can be criticized for the way he is. I've got a lot of love for him; he still checks in."
Mahaney's journey at UConn serves as a testament to his resilience and determination, even in the face of challenges and limited playing time.
