Hartford — After successfully earning the program’s fifth national championship, UConn already has set its sights on number six.

The Huskies talked about repeating as national champions — Florida last accomplished the feat in 2006 and 2007 — during a victory parade and rally celebration in downtown Hartford on Saturday.

The hard work starts Monday when the Huskies begin their off-season workouts.

Redshirt freshman Alex Karaban was already in the gym on Thursday.

“We don’t waste time here at UConn,” Karaban said Saturday afternoon. “We’ve just got to move on from this at some point. When we start our individual workouts and team workouts this coming week, we’ve just got to do everything in our power to get better for next season.

“I started working out on Thursday and I got shots up (Friday). And then Coach (Dan Hurley) yelled at me because he told me I needed rest. But I couldn’t wait anymore.”

It might be awhile before their fans allow the Huskies to move on.

An estimated 45,000 giddy spectators packed the parade route and showed their love for their basketball heroes.

The Huskies waved to the crowd while riding on the upper level of an open-air bus. They were surprised by the big turnout.

“I knew UConn fans were crazy and I knew they loved us,” junior Adama Sanogo said. “But I didn’t think there would be a lot of UConn fans like this.”

Hurley addressed the fans in front of the XL Center entrance on Trumbull Street.

“This group is a special group,” Hurley said. “It was a magical season. This group strived for five. That was all we thought about the whole year — get that fifth national championship. And now we really just want to get our minds to making sure that we’re back in the mix to get number six.

“Let’s go!”

The Huskies have been on the go ever since returning to Storrs on Tuesday after beating San Diego State in the national championship game Monday night in Houston.

They’re spending as much time together as possible.

“Just hanging out with the team a lot,” junior Andre Jackson said. “Just being around each other because we know our time together is going to eventually end and we’re going to have to move on. Definitely a lot of that.”

Saturday likely marked one of the last public appearances for this group as a team.

Sophomore Jordan Hawkins announced on Friday that he’s forgoing his remaining eligibility at UConn to enter the 2023 NBA Draft. He checked off all but one of his five goals (earning All-American honors) on a list that he kept on his phone and made before arriving in Storrs.

“It was a lot of hard work,” he said. “I came in here determined, you can ask the coaching staff. I came in here to make a name for myself and help this team get back to where it was. Hurley made it really clear that’s what we were going to do. And I took that really personally and I made that a goal for me.”

Several players have decisions to make about their college basketball future. The transfer portal may be an option, or just staying put.

“There’s a lot for these guys to consider,” Hurley said. “Everyone’s decision is a little bit different. For Jordan, it was very clear cut. For some of the other guys, it makes more sense for them to return here. For some other guys, it’s probably going to take a little bit more time to weigh the pros and cons.”

Put Sanogo, the Final Four Most Outstanding Player. He’s still thinking about his next step.

“I’m definitely talking to my family right now and my agency,” Sanogo said. “We’re going to make the best decision soon, for sure. Next couple of weeks.”

Hurley said that Sanogo will take part in the NBA’s pre-draft workouts.

“I think by the time his draft process is over, his workouts, he’ll prove himself to be an NBA player,” Hurley said. “There won’t be any more speculation. He’s earned the right to go through that process because he’s one of the best players in the country and obviously he’ll keep his options.“

Junior Andre Jackson, the team’s heartbeat, will likely return but wants to explore his potential paths.

“I’m talking with the coaches right now,” Jackson said. “We’re just going over it and discussing it.”

Freshman center Donovan Clingan announced Saturday that he’ll be back.

The Huskies looked forward to finally getting some rest with the victory parade and rally celebration behind them.

Hurley is already thinking about next season.

“It’s not easy to do,” Hurley said of repeating. “There’s not many programs that win national championships. But I’ve got to tell you, the mind has already started turning to things we’ve got to do to be in the mix for number six.”

The hard work begins again on Monday.

“We really do get back to functioning as a program on Monday,” Hurley said. “The joy ride ends and it’s really about what we’re going to do next year.”

g.keefe@theday.com