Just hours before tip-off, UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley acknowledged lingering uncertainty surrounding the availability of key guard Silas Demary Jr. ahead of Sunday’s NCAA Tournament Round of 32 matchup against the UCLA Bruins.
Demary is officially considered a game-time decision, according to ESPN college insider Pete Thamel, who shared the update on College GameDay.
“As for UConn, just heard from Dan Hurley,” Thamel said. “He expects both Jaylin Stewart and starting point guard Silas Demary to also be game-time decisions… he told me that Silas has a better chance to play of the two. He said that if either or both play, they will be gutting it out tonight. They are banged up. We will see if Silas Demary gives it a go.”
Demary’s Status Looms Large for UConn
GettySilas Demary Jr. of the Connecticut Huskies on Practice Day ahead of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 19, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Demary has been one of the Huskies’ most consistent contributors this season, averaging 10.9 points, 6.2 assists and 4.5 rebounds while leading the team with 1.6 steals per game.
The Georgia transfer suffered the ankle injury during UConn’s Big East championship loss to St. John’s and was unable to suit up in the Huskies’ 82-71 first-round win over Furman.
His absence forced UConn to adjust its offensive structure, particularly in ball-handling and playmaking responsibilities.
Without Demary, the Huskies lacked some of their usual pace and fluidity, relying more on secondary options to initiate offense.
Hurley Strikes Cautious Tone
Hurley had already signaled uncertainty following the first-round win, declining to offer a firm timeline on Demary’s return.
“I don’t want to make any more predictions,” Hurley said after the first-round win, via CT Insider David Borges. “It was close, he tried. Just couldn’t get himself to the point where he felt like he could go.”
He also emphasized the importance of the team’s overall health heading into Sunday.
“We gotta figure out what our health is. Hopefully one or both of those guys is available,” Hurley added, referencing Demary and forward Jaylin Stewart.
Stewart Adds to Injury Concerns
Stewart, who has been sidelined with knee inflammation, has missed extended time, including the entire Big East tournament and the NCAA Tournament opener.
His potential return would provide UConn with additional frontcourt depth and defensive versatility, both of which could be critical against UCLA’s physical style.
Like Demary, Stewart is expected to be a game-time decision.
UConn Advances Behind Reed’s Historic Performance
Despite missing two key contributors, UConn advanced comfortably behind a dominant outing from Tarris Reed Jr.
Reed recorded 31 points and 27 rebounds in the win over Furman, one of the most dominant performances of the opening round.
Alex Karaban also delivered timely scoring and finished with 22 points, helping stabilize the offense late in the game.
Still, the performance highlighted how much UConn benefits from having its full complement of players available.
Matchup Stakes vs UCLA
UConn now faces a UCLA team known for its defensive discipline and physical approach, presenting a more demanding challenge than the first round.
The Bruins’ ability to disrupt offensive rhythm makes Demary’s presence particularly important, as his playmaking and ball control help stabilize UConn’s attack.
Hurley’s comments, reinforced by Thamel’s reporting, make clear that UConn’s status remains fluid heading into tip-off.
With a Sweet 16 berth on the line, all eyes will be on pregame warmups and whether Silas Demary Jr. can take the floor.
If he plays, the Huskies regain a key piece of their identity.
If not, they will need to rely on depth and resilience to keep their tournament run alive.
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