UConn did more than just officially move back to its old Big East neighborhood on Wednesday.

The Huskies are also moving in position to challenge to be an elite college basketball program again, according to coach Dan Hurley.

They started reaping the benefits of belonging to the Big East well before it became official.

"It's another infusion of energy that gets added to the momentum," Hurley said during a Zoom call with the media. "Obviously, it's had an impact on recruiting and definitely played a role with Andre Jackson's recruitment. It definitely helped with Adama (Sanogo).

"When you're in year two of turning a program around and getting it back in the direction that meets more of the expectations at a place like UConn, it's all about going from losing and struggling to just continuing to create positive momentum and to keep having small victories along the way to continue that momentum.

"But going back to the Big East wasn't a small win. It was a huge win just because it brings UConn basketball back to its identity at least from the men's side and it puts us in a position to realistically make a run at being that elite program again."

Wednesday was a special day for UConn Nation. It also meant a great deal to Hurley, who's always been a Big East guy.

He grew up in New Jersey, attended Big East tournament games at Madison Square Garden, played for Seton Hall and served as an assistant at Rutgers from 1997 through 2001.

Now he'll coach the Huskies in 20 conference games next season.

"I love electrifying atmospheres," Hurley said. "I love playing in big games. Now we've got a chance to play in 20 of them guaranteed in the conference where every one of them is going to be huge.

"... I can't wait. Just being from Jersey and my whole background, playing at Seton Hall, it really is a dream come true. It's almost like getting hired again. That euphoria at the first press conference and you get announced as the head coach. Today is almost getting introduced again."

UConn re-enters the Big East in a far different world than when it last resided in 2013.

The Huskies just recently returned to campus after spending months apart due to the coronavirus pandemic. They're dealing with new restrictions and guidelines.

Only nine of the 13 players on the roster returned to campus. They all were tested for the virus upon arrival and entered quarantine until receiving results, which were negative.

"We're obviously really cautious with access and where these guys are going," Hurley said. "The protocols are very strict in terms of where they can be both inside the facility and outside the facility."

Players were divided up into groups of two to live, eat their meals and do their training. Groups will be eventually expanded to four and then eight. They'll continue to be tested periodically, as will the staff. Temperature checks are also done.

Everyone wears a mask. Players can visit with the coaching staff but must socially distance. The Huskies still have virtual team meetings.

It's well worth it just to be back together again.

"What we've learned is that we've missed each other a lot," Hurley said. "We're together 11 months a year, doing what we love to do together. Being part of a unit and a family and a tribe that's working together and striving toward a common goal. The connections are deep. The relationships are deep.

"The inability to be around each other face-to-face, there's been some emotion this week in particular as we just try to find our footing and try to get back in some semblance of conducting a program with all the restrictions that we've got."

At this point, it's impossible to predict what the college basketball season will look like.

Hurley has his share of concerns, including the safety of his players and coaching staff. He had a major problem when the American Athletic Conference prepared to play its conference tournament in mid-March before canceling.

"I was extremely uncomfortable back then," Hurley said. "Then when the data suggests this virus affects men of color more than other members of society and you're coaching a team and coaching with members of your staff that are predominantly black men, I'm not sure that I'd ever be comfortable unless this thing changes pretty significantly."

He says he'll learn more about what might lie ahead from watching what happens with the NBA, Major League Baseball and college football.

For now, Hurley is focused on what he can control, and that's running his basketball program and preparing for his first Big East season.

He's remaining optimistic about the future.

"I've got my mind wrapped around getting ready for November with the way the staff is functioning and the communication with the team," Hurley said. "Obviously, if things change, we'll be prepared for a later start (to the season). Just keep our fingers crossed and stay positive."

News and notes

Tyler Polley and Akok Akok are both doing well in their recovery from injuries. "All reports have been very, very positive with (Tyler) and Akok looks great," Hurley said. "Both are ahead of schedule." ... Incoming freshman Javonte Brown-Ferguson, who's from Pickering, Ontario, may not be able to come to Storrs until later this summer. Because of his international status, he has to be registered in a course that includes at least a small portion of class in person with a professor. But UConn doesn't offer that option at this time. "It's looking like August 1st for Javonte if we can't find a summer course that has an in-person component to it," Hurley said. ... Newcomer Andre Jackson has been trying to squeeze in extra workouts outside. "We've had to pull him off the outdoor courts because he was doing three-a-day (workouts) five days clear of some work on his knee."

g.keefe@theday.com