UConn Men’s Basketball Team Celebrates Second Straight NCAA Championship with Victory Parade in Hartford
The UConn men’s basketball team took to the streets of downtown Hartford on Saturday for a victory parade following their second consecutive NCAA championship win. Thousands of fans lined the streets to celebrate the team’s historic achievement, marking their sixth national title in the past 25 years.
The players and coaches rode on a double-decker bus with the national title trophy in hand, making their way from the state Capitol to the XL Center, where they play their home games. The parade featured marching bands, cheerleaders, first responders, and top state politicians, all joining in on the celebration as fans cheered and waved UConn signs.
Coach Dan Hurley, who has been the subject of rumors about potentially leaving the program, reassured the crowd that his focus is on a third consecutive championship. The players also took the opportunity to thank the fans for their unwavering support throughout the season.
The team will be facing some changes next season, with players like Donovan Clingan and Tristen Newton moving on to the NBA draft. Despite the departures, the players expressed their gratitude to the fans for their support and credited them for helping fuel their title run.
This victory parade marked the 15th celebration for UConn, a program that has seen immense success in both men’s and women’s basketball over the years. With a total of 17 NCAA basketball title game victories between the men’s and women’s teams, UConn has solidified its place as a powerhouse in college basketball.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont joined the team on the parade route, expressing his pride in the team and the state’s basketball legacy. As the celebrations came to a close, the message was clear – UConn is the basketball capital of America, and they are not slowing down anytime soon.