An optimistic Dan Hurley has faith there will be a college basketball season.

Hurley, who's preparing to enter his third season in charge of the UConn men's program, is just unsure what form it will take, whether that means a later start to the season or only playing a Big East Conference schedule.

At this point, just about anything is possible.

Hurley knows one thing for sure: the Huskies will do everything they can to be ready and take the necessary steps to try to improve the odds that there will be games.

"Without compromising the health of these players and officials and the staff, we desperately, desperately want to play," Hurley said during a Zoom meeting with the media on Monday. "I think there's potentially creative ways that we will be able to play. Obviously, a lot of it has to do with testing, therapeutics and potential vaccines, but I'll do anything. I think we would do anything as long as we're confident in the safety of whatever those plans would be.

"I do think it is unlikely that we'll be able to go from where we're at right now to playing in November. But a conference like ours, certainly with the leadership that we have and the universities' leadership, that we're going to put together a plan to give ourselves an opportunity to be able to play a Big East season. Whether that starts at the end of December or January, or whenever that would start."

The Huskies are trying to treat summer workouts like they always have, except there are guidelines and protocols that must be followed on a daily basis, and masks have become an unofficial part of the regular attire.

When players arrive each morning, they have their temperatures taken and answer a series of questions. Players wear masks around the Werth Family UConn Basketball Champions Center facility but not during practice.

Coaches keep their masks on, though, during workouts. At least most of the time.

"Obviously, I pull my mask down quite a bit when I'm distanced far enough away to try to yell across to the other end of the court," Hurley said.

Practices run four days a week, each for an hour, and have evolved from small groups doing conditioning and skill work to some live drills with as many as 10 players.

Hurley is pleased with the way the players have responded.

"You're asking young people to show a tremendous amount of personal discipline and consideration for others," Hurley said. "I think, for the most part, these guys have done an excellent job. But they're kids still. I'm sure they'll struggle with all the different protocols that we have in place at times because it's a lot we're asking of them.

"If you want an opportunity to have a chance to play a sport that you love this year, both as coaches and players, you better be able to follow the guidelines and try to keep each other as safe as possible."

Hurley delivered an upbeat report on the progress of his team.

He's seen physical gains in young players like Akok Akok, James Bouknight and Jalen Gaffney, who've added muscle and good weight. He's been impressed with newcomers Andre Jackson and 7-footer Javonte Brown-Ferguson.

Brown-Ferguson, who's from Canada, arrived in Storrs later than other Huskies due to restrictions in regards to his international status.

"He was able to get his first little bit of work in like midweek last week," Hurley said. "He's exactly what we'd hope he'd be — a 7-footer with some really nice back to the basket ability and a guy that's pretty skilled. It's hard to wrap your mind around the fact that he's 17 years old.

"... He just brings another dimension to the program that we haven't had in years."

A few Huskies are a bit behind due to injury.

The coaching staff is taking an "overly cautious" approach with Jackson, who is recovering from a minor knee issue. Hurley hopes that Jackson will be moved next week from the shooting group to a group doing more advanced work.

Tyler Polley (knee) and Akok (Achilles tendon) continue down their long road back from their respective surgeries but are recovering well.

Newcomer Adama Sanogo and veteran Josh Carlton both have improved their conditioning and dropped weight, the latter losing 25 pounds.

Hurley raved about his players' commitment level and dedication.

"The buy-in right now with the guys is at a high level," he said. "That's how you make the type of gains that these guys have made. ... Going into year three, our culture is stronger than it's been since we've been here. Guys understand what we want from them, so you'll see more gains because the buy-in and the culture is in a much different place than it was the last couple of years."

Yet Hurley says the Huskies are behind schedule by a month to six weeks due to the long coronavirus shutdown.

If the Huskies continue to make progress, Hurley believes they'll regain the momentum that was disrupted by the break.

"There's nothing but positive messages here," Hurley said. "We're progressing to being able to play 5 on 5 next week, if everything works out for us in terms of the testing and everyone is negative. We're working like we believe there's going to be a season, both players and coaches. We're excited about it."

g.keefe@theday.com