All of Storrs, Connecticut breathed a sigh of reduction Monday afternoon when information broke that Dan Hurley could be remaining at UConn, rebuffing a six-year, $70 million provide from the Los Angeles Lakers.
Few individuals have the chance to make $70 million. Even fewer have the chance to educate arguably the best basketball participant ever, LeBron James. And on prime of all that, Hurley would have been the coach of the NBA’s most glamorous franchise, homeowners of 17 NBA championships and sufficient retired numbers to fill a wall of Crypto.com Area.
Regardless of all of that, Hurley made the proper determination to remain. Listed here are three the reason why:
1. He’s on prime at UConn
It’s tough to get to the highest and even tougher to remain there, however Hurley by some means did it. When UConn defeated Purdue for the 2024 NCAA nationwide title, Hurley turned simply the third coach within the post-John Wood UCLA period to go back-to-back, becoming a member of Mike Krzyzewski and Billy Donovan.
Hurley now has the chance to go for a 3rd title in a row, one thing that hasn’t been carried out since Wood. Ought to he accomplish the feat with this batch of Huskies, he’ll enter right into a stratosphere reserved for only a few within the historical past of the sport. A departure would have disadvantaged him of that.
2. The Lakers job would solely finish a technique
Six years and $70 million sounds good, however there’s no assure Hurley even makes it six years on the sidelines. The Lakers are already in search of their fourth head coach since James joined the franchise six years in the past.
With the best way the franchise has operated with James on the town, Hurley won’t final lengthy. And if James leaves, it’s most probably time for a rebuild, which suggests Hurley won’t be allowed to see it by means of.
3. He’s ascending to the faculty basketball coaches’ throne
Krzyzewski, Roy Williams and Jay Wright not too long ago retired. Tom Izzo, Mark Few and John Calipari are nearing the tip of their careers. Hurley is on the quick monitor to being the face of NCAA basketball and the sport’s strongest voice.
The function usually comes with large success on the recruiting path, large paychecks and extra trophies. Translation: extra of the identical for Hurley.
Typically the identical is the most effective. On this case, it absolutely is for Hurley. Sleep effectively, Storrs. Your coach is right here to remain.
