Dan Hurley is opening up after selecting to remain at UConn as an alternative of teaching the Lakers.
The reigning two-time nationwide champion coach of the Huskies joined “The Dan Le Batard Present” for his first interview since Monday, when he rejected a six-year, $70 million supply from the storied NBA franchise.
“One of many worst takes I’ve heard is that this was a leverage play by me to enhance my scenario at UConn,” Hurley mentioned. “I don’t want leverage right here. We’ve gained back-to-back nationwide championships at this place.”
One of many main storylines relating to Hurley’s resolution was his contract, with reviews circulating that he deliberately thought of NBA candidacies to catalyze a increase in Storrs.
Hurley, although, referred to that concept as a “conspiracy” and “lazy.”
On this system, Hurley mentioned he’s had a “contract in place for a few weeks” and talked about that the “monetary half when it comes to wage has been finished for some time.”
Hurley signed a six-year, $32.1 million contract extension after successful his first title in 2023.
Within the meantime, Hurley famous that he’s nonetheless “not comfy with” contractual parts comparable to NIL and workers salaries.
Relating to a timetable for a attainable transfer to the professionals, Hurley mentioned he first talked to his agent June 3 about different job potentialities, and referred to his alternative as “gut-wrenching” — even getting into the morning of June 10, when he finally selected to remain on the school stage.
Upfront of UConn’s scheduled apply Monday, Hurley remarked that his scenario “had grow to be a circus” and “was weighing on me and my spouse and my two sons.”
As for the enchantment of the Lakers, Hurley talked about the attract of the franchise’s previous coaches and having each LeBron James and Anthony Daivs.
“It was one thing I needed to doubtlessly discover,” Hurley mentioned.
Moreover, Hurley talked about he didn’t discuss to James all through the method, however claimed it “would have been a thrill to teach him.”
Whereas t’s nonetheless need to be crossed on Hurley’s new deal, the coach can now deal with aiming for a three-peat, which hasn’t occurred in school basketball since UCLA completed it in 1973.
