STORRS — UConn men’s basketball player Jayden Ross spoke to the media at a press conference on November 2, 2025, at the Werth Basketball Center, reflecting on his performance and the team’s upcoming season. Ross, who has struggled with consistent performance in his first two years, showcased his potential in a recent exhibition game against Michigan State, scoring 13 points in 16 impactful minutes after initially having a quiet start.
Head coach Dan Hurley highlighted Ross’s performance, expressing hope that it marks the beginning of a more consistent showing for the junior. “I’ve seen that movie a lot, streaming in my house… Let’s hope that movie is now going to theaters,” he said, demonstrating his optimism for Ross’s development as they prepare for the season.
UConn is set to launch its 2025-26 campaign against New Haven on Monday evening. Notably, this season marks the first time in three years that the Huskies will not unveil a national championship banner, which the team views as an opportunity for a fresh start. Senior captain Alex Karaban stated, “The pressure we had last year coming off the natty is gone. It’s good, in a way, to have a fresh start and work towards getting that banner again.”
However, the team faces challenges, including injuries to key players. Freshman Braylon Mullins, a highly touted prospect, and Australian recruit Jacob Furphy are both sidelined with ankle injuries. Mullins, projected to be a starter, is out for at least a month, placing increased responsibility on juniors like Ross and Jaylin Stewart to enhance their contributions.
Ross is determined to capitalize on the momentum from his recent performance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining consistency. “We’ve all got to step up to the plate, give it our all every day, and play how we know we’re capable of,” he remarked.
Coach Hurley noted Ross’s progress, stating, “He’s physically stronger, been shooting the cover off the ball in practice… He looks like a guy who’s ready to go and put it all together.” As the exhibition games drew to a close, UConn won convincingly, but Hurley acknowledged the need to reduce the number of fouls committed during the matches.
Looking forward to the matchup against New Haven, Hurley expressed excitement about the addition of another Division 1 team in Connecticut, especially following the loss of Hartford, which will help generate enthusiasm around collegiate basketball in the state. The player developments and upcoming games promise a hopeful season for UConn, as the team aims to rebuild and strive for excellence once again.