FILE - In this Dec. 29, 2019, file photo, Connecticut coach Dan Hurley smiles as he watches his team during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against New Jersey Institute of Technology in Hartford, Conn. UConn, a charter member of the Big East Conference, is hoping its return to the league this season will help restore the program to a position as a perennial national title contender. Hurley acknowledged that the Big East is an easier sell to big-name recruits, especially in the Northeast. (AP Photo/Stephen Dunn, File)

FILE - In this Feb. 16, 2020, file photo, Connecticut's James Bouknight, center, shoots between Memphis' Boogie Ellis, left, and Tyler Harris during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Hartford, Conn. UConn returns to the Big East this season. “It’s definitely huge for me, because growing up wanting to play high-major college basketball, you just want to play against the best teams in the country," Bouknight said. "Not taking anything away from the AAC, but every night playing against the Villanovas of the world, the St. John’s of the world, it’s just like a dream come true.” (AP Photo/Jessica Hill, File)