Insider reveals Lakers GM had a ‘much longer’ visit with UConn’s Dan Hurley despite signing JJ Redick as team’s new HC
Earlier this month, the basketball universe watched as Dan Hurley turned down the Los Angeles Lakers' lucrative offer (reportedly $70 million for 6 years) to become their head coach. The two-time NCAA men's basketball tournament-winning coach opted to stay at UConn for at least another season.
JJ Redick was eventually hired for the position and the former NBA player signed a four-year contract on Thursday.
However, NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the conversation between Hurley and Lakers' GM Rob Pelinka went on for a much longer time than any other potential coaching hire.
The reports reflected that Hurley was the favorite to lead the Lakers for the coming seasons due to his success at the collegiate level.
At the end of last season, he was named the Naismith Coach of the Year, as well as the Big Ten Coach of the Year. The team finished with a conference record of 18-2, an overall record of 37-3, and a national championship as they defeated Purdue with a score of 75-60.
A superstitious human being, he made sure that his gameday rituals gave him the desired results throughout the season.
What did Dan Hurley say about returning to UConn?
A coach in his prime, Hurley will return to coach UConn after discussing a potential coaching opportunity at Lakers. In an interview with CNN, he said:
"I am humbled by this entire experience... 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 on getting better this summer and connceting as a team as we continue to pursue championships."
The move to the Lakers could have been a step forward in his coaching career but it would have come at the cost of missing a chance to secure a three-peat, an achievement only John Wooden has accomplished in UCLA.