After shocking the NBA world with his interest in coaching the Lakers, Dan Hurley ultimately said, “Thanks, but no thanks.” UConn’s leading man will return to Storrs to chase a seventh national title.
BREAKING: Connecticut’s Dan Hurley has turned down the Los Angeles Lakers’ six-year, $70 million offer and will return to chase a third straight national title, sources tell ESPN. LA would’ve made him one of NBA’s six highest paid coaches. pic.twitter.com/hEXo3o00SR
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 10, 2024
Hurley previously told Fox Sports that the process towards a new deal grew complicated:
“…it’s taken more time (to get a deal done) than any of us would have liked. It’s not something that’s been a rush for me. You sacrifice a lot to do this job. The job beats your ass pretty good, and a lot suffers with your family. Any chance at a social life, it consumes everything you have.”
As swept away as Hurley became by the Lakers courtship and vision for him, he ultimately couldn't walk away from a chance to make history and pursue a third straight NCAA title. Even before Lakers talks, Hurley already had a UConn offer to become one of highest paid NCAA coaches…
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 10, 2024
Now, Hurley has the chance to do what no coach has accomplished since John Wooden did in the late 1960s: three-peat.
BREAKING: Dan Hurley Turns Down Lakers, Returns to UConn
Unfinished Business
Hurley is returning to a UConn squad that graduated two fifth years and two seniors, among them NBA Draft prospect Cam Spencer and Hurley’s son, Andrew. The Huskies have two other league hopefuls in the 2024 class—big man Donovan Clingan and wing Stephon Castle. Starting forward Alex Karaban was also on that list, but has since decided to return next year.
Hurley’s Huskies have the personnel to go for three in a row, but it won’t be easy. WTNH Sports Director John Pierson noted that the Huskies lost a lot with graduation and the draft, but have also gained new faces thanks to the portal. Among the key names are guard Aidan Mahaney from St. Mary’s and forward Terris Reed Jr. from Michigan, who are joining a standout incoming freshmen class of Liam McNeeley, Ahmad Nowell and Isaiah Abraham. The first-years will have big shoes to fill upon their arrival, while Reed will likely assume the role that Clingan left behind.
Hurley’s strong recruiting and player development have put UConn in a great position to win another title. Even with all of the changes in college basketball—especially since Florida went back-to-back in 2006 and ‘07—you can always count on the Huskies to remain in the hunt.
