In a surprising move that has caught the attention of basketball enthusiasts worldwide, Dan Hurley has declined a six-year, $70 million offer from the Los Angeles Lakers to become their head coach, as reported by ESPN on Monday. Instead, Hurley has chosen to remain at the University of Connecticut (UConn), aiming to lead the Huskies to a third consecutive National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship.
“I am humbled by this entire experience,” Hurley stated in a release from UConn. “At the end of the day, I am extremely proud of the championship culture we have built at Connecticut. We met as a team before today’s workout, and our focus right now is getting better this summer and connecting as a team as we continue to pursue championships.”
Hurley, who signed a six-year, $32.1 million contract with UConn in 2023, has led the Huskies to an impressive 68-11 record under his tenure. The team made history by defending their NCAA title for the first time, defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 75-60 in the tournament’s final in April.
His decision to stay with UConn underscores his commitment to collegiate basketball and the development of young talent. The NCAA, while primarily an American institution, has a growing international following, including in Asia, where basketball’s popularity continues to rise. Hurley’s choice highlights the significance of college basketball in shaping future stars who may eventually impact professional leagues globally, including in the NBA, which has seen an increasing number of international players.
As UConn prepares for the upcoming season, fans and analysts worldwide will be watching to see if Hurley and his team can secure a third straight national title, further cementing their legacy in college basketball history.
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Dan Hurley rejects Lakers' head coach offer, will stay with UConn
cgtn.com
