Dan Hurley Stays at UConn

On Monday, Dan Hurley announced that he is staying at UConn despite the Los Angeles Lakers offering him a 6 year $70 million dollar contract. On Thursday, Hurley spoke with the media. There were about 50 plus media members waiting at the Werth Family Basketball Champions Center awaiting Dan Hurley's arrival. This was his first public conversation with the media since his decision.

When the news dropped last Thursday that Hurley was interviewing for the Lakers job, Hurley addressed it to his team that this was a job he was "considering". The vibes at that practice were very quiet and some players took it harder than others, but "we handled it perfectly and were ready to work" Hassan Diarra said, reminiscing on that practice. Dan Hurley had rememebers that day a little differently, "I didn’t like the way they looked at me." It was something that he would never forget. It haunted him in a way.

It was a once in a lifetime opportunity that the Lakers had, "to coach LeBron made it incredibly appealing" Hurley said. But, changing the lives of young adults on his team was more important to Hurley. He feels fulfilled to touch the lives of these young players and also their families too. It is bigger than basketball.

Andrea Hurley, Dan's wife, was angry and cried once the Lakers news was released. "We all love it here" he said. The family factored in all the things that mattered to them and kept an open mind when traveling out to LA. Their heart was in Storrs, Connecticut through and through.

Dan Hurley speaking to the media on Thursday

When it came to Dan Hurley's contract with UConn he said that the finances were finalized two weeks ago and the only things that could potentially change are staff, NIL, and buyout options. "When the Lakers come calling...it was something that I had to consider. It was not a leverage thing." Hurley let his game speak for itself, he is the coach of a back to back championship team, and that is all the leverage he needs.

"It's your loyalty to your players." Hurley said. He has a lot of respect for his players. Dan Hurley called Alex Karaban on Sunday night, while Karaban was play NBA 2K, and asked for his advice. Hurley called to make sure the team's "headspace" was right. The two of them have a special relationship that is built on trust.

Karaban talked about hosting team meetings to "see where evryone's mindset was at". The intention of it was to be a unified group that no matter the decision at the end of the day, they were going to be together. His leadership is going to be vital for the Huskies success this upcoming season.

On Monday, Hurley held a team meeting, no phones or anything. "My stomach was dropping in the begining [of the meeting]" Karaban said. After he announced he was staying, the players rejoiced, clapped, and hugged their coach as they were all grateful for his return. Dan Hurley wanted his players to understand the commitment it takes to play for the Huskies. Karaban said how they all expressed their commitment to him and the program. There was a clear message and goal ahead.

With all of the drama and distractions behind them, "today was back to business" Hurley said. He ran practice as usual, intense and tough. The Huskies seek to three peat this year with Dan Hurley back at the helm.