Dan Hurley Spills Why He Rejected Lakers Job: The Untold Story!

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By: Mike

Dan Hurley has recently disclosed why he chose to decline the prestigious coaching position with the Los Angeles Lakers, opting instead to stay with UConn.

In a detailed discussion on In Depth with Graham Bensinger, Hurley elaborated on his decision to forego a top opportunity in the NBA to pursue a third consecutive NCAA championship with the Huskies. He emphasized his desire to continue making a significant impact on his players’ lives, an aspect he felt was less attainable in the NBA.

When Bensinger questioned whether Hurley still harbors ambitions to coach in the NBA someday, the 51-year-old expressed uncertainty. “I’m not sure. It’s difficult to say. If I’m passing up the Lakers, then it’s hard to imagine which job would be appealing,” he stated.

Hurley shared his thoughts on the unique role of a college coach. He explained, “I cherish being part of this pivotal moment in a young man’s life, where you can profoundly influence their future path. This realization is what I love about college coaching, a sentiment that doesn’t quite align with the NBA coaching dynamics.”

The interview offers a thorough insight into Hurley’s decision-making process and his preference for maintaining strong relationships with his players. He recounted the emotional challenge of meeting with his team prior to his in-person discussions with the Lakers.

Andrea Hurley, Dan’s wife, also expressed her preference for him to remain at UConn, though she was prepared to support him had he chosen to accept the Lakers’ offer.

Under Hurley’s leadership over the past six years, UConn has achieved remarkable success, amassing a record of 141-58 (.709) since 2018 and securing two national championships in recent seasons, with a combined record of 68-11.

It appears likely that Hurley will continue his career in college basketball for the foreseeable future. His decision to turn down the Lakers underscores his commitment, especially if he had any future aspirations for the NBA.


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