All of Storrs, Connecticut breathed a sigh of reduction Monday afternoon when information broke that Dan Hurley can be remaining at UConn, rebuffing a six-year, $70 million supply from the Los Angeles Lakers.
Few individuals have the chance to make $70 million. Even fewer have the chance to educate arguably the best basketball participant ever, LeBron James. And on prime of all that, Hurley would have been the coach of the NBA’s most glamorous franchise, homeowners of 17 NBA championships and sufficient retired numbers to fill a wall of Crypto.com Enviornment.
Regardless of all of that, Hurley made the best determination to remain. Listed here are three explanation why:
1. He’s on prime at UConn
It’s tough to get to the highest and even more durable to remain there, however Hurley by some means did it. When UConn defeated Purdue for the 2024 NCAA nationwide title, Hurley turned simply the third coach within the post-John Picket UCLA period to go back-to-back, becoming a member of Mike Krzyzewski and Billy Donovan.
Hurley now has the chance to go for a 3rd title in a row, one thing that hasn’t been completed since Picket. Ought to he accomplish the feat with this batch of Huskies, he’ll enter right into a stratosphere reserved for only a few within the historical past of the sport. A departure would have disadvantaged him of that.
2. The Lakers job would solely finish a technique
Six years and $70 million sounds good, however there’s no assure Hurley even makes it six years on the sidelines. The Lakers are already on the lookout for their fourth head coach since James joined the franchise six years in the past.Â
With the best way the franchise has operated with James on the town, Hurley may not final lengthy. And if James leaves, it’s almost certainly time for a rebuild, which suggests Hurley may not be allowed to see it by.
3. He’s ascending to the school basketball coaches’ throne
Krzyzewski, Roy Williams and Jay Wright just lately retired. Tom Izzo, Mark Few and John Calipari are nearing the tip of their careers. Hurley is on the quick observe to being the face of NCAA basketball and the sport’s strongest voice.Â
The position usually comes with huge success on the recruiting path, huge paychecks and extra trophies. Translation: extra of the identical for Hurley.
Generally the identical is one of the best. On this case, it absolutely is for Hurley. Sleep nicely, Storrs. Your coach is right here to remain.Â