The biggest news in college basketball this week has been Dan Hurley and his potential move to coach the Los Angeles Lakers. Hurley has the support of many, including former players like Magic Johnson and Reggie Miller. At the same time, there are a few who question the move after the run that he has had at UConn.
After two back-to-back championships, the Huskies are predicted to win another next year. This would make Dan Hurley the first coach since John Wooden at UCLA to win a three-peat.
Speaking on the current situation, CBA Sports' Jon Rothstein said on his "College Hoops Today" podcast:
"Being offered the chance to be the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers is the opportunity of a lifetime for any coach and the landscape now in college basketball has never been more volatile," Rothstein said. "It’s a big reason why Jay Wright, Roy Williams, and Mike Krzyzewski opted for peace of mind over a practice plan and an NIL meeting.
"But NBA head coaches are essentially hired to be fired. For every Pat Riley or Phil Jackson, there’s a dozen former head coaches who have come and gone, sometimes after a season or two or three."
He continued:
" ...there’s no guarantee that he’ll ever be able to get the UConn job back in its current state, fresh off winning back-to-back national titles in one of the most dominant two-year runs in the history of college basketball."
Some famous returnees to college basketball include Rick Pitino and John Calipari, who had brief stints with the Boston Celtics and New Jersey Nets, respectively. Both head coaches were hit with poor-performing seasons and were eventually fired from their positions without fulfilling their signed contract period.
Insider believes Dan Hurley's "big ego and personality" will make him leave UConn
Despite the many arguments against Dan Hurley leaving the Huskies, college basketball insider John Fanta believes that the head coach could choose LA.
During a chat on Rothstein's podcast, Fanta said:
"I think he takes this job with the Lakers. He's got an ego & big personality. He wants the next biggest thing in his career. That's how he's wired. He's also fueled by doubt. Let's face it, in the college game, he has nothing left to prove."
Per reports, Dan Hurley and his agent met with the Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss on Friday for a round of negotiations. It is also said that Hurley and the Lakers will come to a final decision on this by the end of the weekend.
What do you think of Dan Hurley's potential move to LA? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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