One of the biggest news from Storrs a few days ago was the Los Angeles Lakers talking about sweeping Dan Hurley away from UConn. The slow development of the entire situation only added more to the growing curiousness. While Magic Johnson was excited to get the tough coach in his former team, Andre Iguodala was shocked by the choice. Being the hottest player who has not just stirred up college basketball but also the WNBA, Caitlin Clark added her thoughts. However, it was all compliments.
Caitlin Clark and the Fever lost another game tonight against the Connecticut Sun. Despite the loss, the first overall pick did have something good to look at. That was Dan Hurley who snubbed LeBron James and the Lakers for a hand at his third consecutive NCAA trophy. Talking to the reporters after the game, she shared how she has been following Hurley’s Huskies and what she thinks of the coach. She said, “I mean, shoot. Two really good options. He had his choice. I mean I have no idea what the conversations were, but I really admire him. I love his intensity.”
Adding more praises for the 51-year-old coach, Clark shared what she loves about his style. She said, “I think the way he coaches the game is amazing. The way he coaches his players is amazing. Holds them accountable. Really gets the most out of them. I’ve really loved watching them over the course of last couple of years. I think it’s cool he’s staying in college basketball.”
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I asked Caitlin Clark about Dan Hurley staying at UConn and she talked about her great admiration for Hurley and how great it is for college basketball that he’s not going to the NBA. pic.twitter.com/d4XnLTCWCd
— Dan Zaksheske (@RealDanZak) June 11, 2024
The NCAA’s all-time leading scorer also shared how the coach hints at his love for the Huskies and makes them great. Her confession for the love of Hurley and the program proved how happy she was for the future of college basketball. But obviously, more than her, Connecticut was happier. But how did Dan Hurley sway back to UConn?
After Caitlin Clark, Adrian Wojnarowski speaks on behalf of Dan Hurley
There is no doubt that Geno Auriemma and Dan Hurley have collectively built a basketball powerhouse in Storrs. It was also one of the biggest reasons why the Lakers wanted Hurley on their team. But seemingly, the head coach had other plans for his winning culture. In fact, he is ready to try his hands at a three-peat. The NBA Insider and a close friend of the Hurleys, Adrian Wojnarowski, spoke up on the decision.
He tweeted, “As swept away as Hurley became by the Lakers courtship and vision for him, he ultimately couldn’t walk away from a chance to make history and pursue a third straight NCAA title. Even before Lakers talks, Hurley already had a UConn offer to become one of highest-paid NCAA coaches and those talks will continue.” The ESPN Insider was apparently pointing out the fact that the Governor of Connecticut, Ned Lamont, had offered Hurley a special deal.
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According to ESPN’s reports, Lamont asked Hurley that if he chose to stay in UConn, he would make sure he’s the top-paid college coach. Currently, Kim Mulkey of the LSU Tigers holds that spot. Although Hurley would have signed a whopping $70 million/ 6 years contract with the Lakers, looks like he is happier with his $32.1 million/ six-year deal with the Huskies that he signed last June.
Stay tuned for more such updates. To follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.
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