“They’re dumber than NBA players,” Dan Hurley recalls breaking news of Lakers offer to Huskies locker room
Dan Hurley ultimately chose to stay at UConn, where he has built a successful program.
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Dan Hurley
Dan Hurley, the University of Connecticut men’s basketball coach, recently considered a lucrative offer from the Los Angeles Lakers. Ultimately, he decided to stay with the Huskies. In a sarcastic remark, Hurley jokingly made a comparison between his college basketball players and the NBA players.
Hurley’s decision resulted from a thoughtful and deliberate process, which included seeking input from his wife, assistants, and mentors. He also spoke with other coaches and officials in the NBA and college basketball, including LeBron James, the Lakers’ star player. Furthermore, the coach recalled breaking the news of the Lakers’ offer to his locker room.
I already had decided. That's why I like coaching guys this age. They're dumber than NBA players. I wouldn't have been able to pull that stuff off [in the pros].Dan Hurley via media interview
Despite the allure of coaching in the NBA and the opportunity to lead a storied franchise like the Lakers, Dan Hurley ultimately chose to stay at UConn. The coach has built a successful program and has a strong support system. His decision was met with relief and excitement from his players and the UConn community.
Moreover, Hurley admitted his coaching and influence would better benefit the college players rather than the NBA players. As such, he had already decided to turn down the Lakers and commit long-term to the UConn Huskies. Meanwhile, the Lakers’ head coach search continues, with several candidates in consideration.
Dan Hurley denies using the Lakers’ offer as leverage
Dan Hurley on The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz has denied that his decision to reject a $70 million offer from the Los Angeles Lakers was a leverage play to improve his contract with UConn. Hurley had already agreed to a new contract with UConn before declining the Lakers’ offer.
One of the worst takes I've heard is that this is a leverage play by me to improve my situation at UConn. I don't need leverage here. We've won back-to-back national championships at this place. This was never a leverage situation for me. I've had a contract in place here for a couple of weeks.Dan Hurley via Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Hurley admitted that the Lakers’ offer was tempting, but he ultimately chose to stay at UConn. Moreover, he stated that the decision was not about the money but about his commitment to the Huskies program. The NBA ambition of Hurley remains on hold at the moment.
He also noted that the opportunity to coach the Lakers and work with stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis remained appealing. However, it was not enough to lure him away from UConn. Hurley’s decision to stay at UConn means he will continue to coach the Huskies as they pursue a third consecutive national title.
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Ubong Archibong
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