The UConn Huskies, based in Storrs, Connecticut, are facing significant travel challenges that may delay their arrival in Arizona for the Final Four. Due to logistical and mechanical issues, the men’s basketball team is currently without a plane to fly to Phoenix, as reported by CBS Sports and confirmed by the NCAA.
Originally scheduled to fly in from Kansas City, delays have complicated the situation. The flight crew from Kansas City would exceed FAA-allowed hours, preventing an immediate turnaround to fly to Phoenix.
Concerns arose that the earliest flight available for UConn would depart after midnight. However, recent updates indicate the possibility of a flight leaving around 11:30 p.m. ET, with an estimated arrival in Phoenix by 2 a.m. ET.
At one point, UConn’s head coach Dan Hurley anticipated the team arriving in Arizona around 5 a.m. Eastern Time, mere hours before media availability scheduled for Thursday. To expedite travel, the team may need to take a smaller plane from Cincinnati with a fuel stop along the way.
The delay has put the Huskies in a challenging position as other Final Four teams, including Alabama, Purdue, and NC State, arrived in Phoenix earlier. Initially faced with two options for travel, UConn eventually secured the 11:30 p.m. flight departure.
Despite the travel setbacks, UConn’s Final Four matchup against Alabama is not until Saturday night, allowing ample time for the team to reach Phoenix. The NCAA expressed disappointment over the travel complications, emphasizing efforts to explore various travel alternatives.
The Huskies’ journey to the Final Four has been marked by unexpected twists and turns, underscoring the unpredictability of sports travel logistics. As they navigate these challenges, UConn remains focused on their upcoming game against Alabama and the opportunity to compete at the highest level in college basketball.