“That was big, that was important”: UConn HC Dan Hurley explained how the idea of abandoning Huskies roster stopped him from accepting the Lakers job
UConn Huskies coach Dan Hurley explained that he had already accepted a new deal with UConn before turning down a lucrative six-year contract offer from the LA Lakers. On the "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz," Hurley confirmed his rejection of the NBA team's offer.
During an interview with CBS Sports, Hurley elaborated on his decision-making, explaining that his commitment to the Huskies played a crucial role in his choice to remain with them and snub the Lakers.
Reflecting on his feelings after leaving the Lakers' building and flying back home, Hurley described his decision as 'brutal':
“This is going to be brutal,” Hurley told CBS. “This is going to be a hard choice.
"And I think, in general — and it's weird, because some of the advice, and there's just all these different things too, because you've got a lot of things going on in your mind — but it's funny, in the end, I just had this conversation with Alex Karaban (Huskies forward).”
He advised Karaban that when a decision feels difficult and one feels torn, it might be best to stay put and eventually followed his own advice.
Coach confessed that the thought of leaving his players, particularly Karaban, who had a 50-50 draft decision and chose to stay with the Huskies, weighed heavily on him.
“Yeah, that that was big. That was big; that was important,” he said. “And again, I don't know, like, if he stays in the draft … I'm not sure what that does, because some players, the other returners, and then the transfers and the high school guys — the window would open up for them.”
“But their options would be very limited at this point in the summer. There would have been an opportunity, just not knowing for the entirety of the group, but Alex in particular.”
Hurley revealed that he had a conversation with Karaban on Sunday, one of the few people he spoke to during his decision-making process.
“I didn't talk to many people,” Hurley said. “I put the phone away at that point, but he was one of the few people I called and spoke to.”
“He was good, but I want to keep a lot of that between us,” he added. “He told me he'd be disappointed, but basically, he understood.”
The two-time national championship-winning coach likened the offer to coach the Lakers to being the top pick in the coaching draft.
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After meeting with Lakers, UConn coach Dan Hurley set to finalize new $50 million deal with Huskies
UConn coach Dan Hurley traveled to Los Angeles for discussions with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss. Although Hurley didn't have an in-person meeting with LeBron James, he exchanged text messages with the NBA legend.
Despite making the trip, Hurley is expected to return to UConn. Fox Sports reports that the university has not yet announced a new deal for Hurley, who coached last season under a six-year contract valued at $32.1 million.
According to a UConn source, negotiations are underway to finalize a new six-year contract for Hurley, estimated to be worth approximately $50 million.
Also Read: Dan Hurley turns down LA Lakers whopping $70 million offer: Reports