UConn Basketball: Why Aidan Mahaney is the most important team transfer for 2024-25

The program on top of the college basketball world, everything is peachy in Connecticut, with the Huskies riding high after a second consecutive NCAA Tournament title. Dan Hurley spurned Kentucky, the Los Angeles Lakers, and other opportunities and the program fresh off two helpings of national glory might just be in great position for more.

However, much of last year’s monster lineup is gone, with transfer guards Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer both finishing their careers while Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle headed early to the NBA. No matter who was added in the offseason, these are significant losses and their contributions for this program will not be forgotten. Fortunately, Alex Karaban returns for his junior season, while other pieces like Solomon Ball and Hassan Diarra also are back.

Not much talent was lost in the Transfer Portal for the Huskies, but they certainly replenished their roster by using it. Those previous additions we lauded, namely Newton and Spencer, were key examples of Hurley and his staff’s ability land talent and they’ve done it again. The first major name is Tarris Reed Jr., a talented center who comes from Michigan and has the potential to become a playmaker in this frontcourt.

The other significant addition is Aidan Mahaney, who became quite the mid-major star as an underclassman. A talented point guard from California, Mahaney comes to the East Coast fresh off two standout seasons with Saint Mary’s. During his sophomore season he averaged 13.9 points per game, earned another First Team All-WCC honor, and helped take the Gaels to regular season and tournament titles in the league.

What Connecticut gets in Mahaney isn’t just a junior point guard with postseason experience. His production makes Mahaney an ideal addition and asset, but he also does the little things. Even in his first season as a freshman, Mahaney was making plays beyond his years and he’ll bring a lot of intangibles to his new squad in the Big East. Beyond that, he’s a stellar shooter even if those numbers took a slight step back last season.

With the talent lost in the offseason, the addition of Mahaney is an incredible win for this UConn staff. Replacing Newton at the point was never going to be easy, but they found another transfer guard who can score, spread the ball around, and with a smart and steady game. Mahaney slides into a starring role in this backcourt likely beside Diarra and it’s very possible that the Huskies’ backcourt doesn’t miss a beat despite these major changes.

Barring something unforeseen, UConn will be nationally ranked and a championship contender yet again. Mahaney brings a certain pedigree that Hurley loves in his players, and he certainly has his pick of the litter these days in this sport. How does Mahaney handle that transition from Saint Mary’s to life in a power conference? Does the Huskies’ newly boosted lineup have what it takes to complete a three-peat?