The Los Angeles Lakers coaching job has taken an intriguing turn as UConn’s Dan Hurley has emerged as a leading candidate. This development, first reported by ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski, places Hurley ahead of other contenders, including former NBA player JJ Redick. Hurley’s impressive resume includes leading the UConn Huskies to two NCAA Division I Championships in just five years, a feat that has drawn significant attention from the Lakers’ front office.
Hurley’s potential move to the Lakers has been met with various reactions, including from his UConn colleague Geno Auriemma. Auriemma, a legendary figure in women’s college basketball with 40 years at the helm of the UConn women’s team, shared his thoughts on Hurley’s prospects during an appearance on *The Dan Patrick Show*. Auriemma, known for his candid and insightful commentary, did not hold back.
“I think you could win a lot of championships with the Lakers, more so than a guy who’s never coached,” Auriemma said, taking a subtle jab at Redick, who has no prior coaching experience.
Auriemma further clarified that he had no insider information on the Lakers’ coaching search and was as surprised as anyone by Wojnarowski’s report. He admitted that the potential departure of Hurley would be a bittersweet moment for UConn. “It would be a bad day for UConn and a bittersweet day for Dan Hurley,” Auriemma stated. He emphasized that Hurley is not actively seeking other coaching opportunities, particularly with the prospect of a historic three-peat on the horizon for the Huskies.
Geno Aurriemma shares his reaction to the Danny Hurley reports and says he was actually with him last night and randomly said to him:
“I think you could win a lot of Championships with the #Lakers, more so than a guy who’s never coached.” pic.twitter.com/aX0h3cPepx
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) June 6, 2024
Under Hurley’s leadership, UConn has compiled a record of 292-163 and an impressive 14-4 record in NCAA tournament play, culminating in two national titles. If Hurley remains with UConn, he could potentially become the first coach since UCLA’s John Wooden to win three consecutive championships.
Dan Hurley is widely regarded as one of the top tacticians in college basketball. His reputation for creative play designs and intense player engagement suggests he could be an upgrade over former Lakers coach Darvin Ham, who was often criticized for his inexperience.
LeBron James, a key figure in the Lakers organization, has already expressed his admiration for Hurley’s coaching abilities. After Hurley’s appearance on JJ Redick’s podcast, *The Old Man and the Three*, following UConn’s 2024 Championship, James took to social media to praise Hurley’s offensive strategies. “He’s so damn good!!! Along with his staff. Super creative with their O! I love it,” James wrote.
Hurley’s basketball pedigree is also noteworthy. He hails from a respected basketball family, with his father, Bob Hurley Sr., being a Hall of Fame high school coach and his brother, Bobby Hurley, currently coaching at Arizona State. This background has ingrained in him a deep understanding of the game and a passion for coaching.
However, transitioning from college to the NBA is notoriously challenging. History shows a mixed track record for college coaches making the jump to the professional ranks. PJ Carlesimo and Rick Pitino are notable examples of coaches who struggled in the NBA, while others like John Calipari had brief tenures. On the other hand, Brad Stevens enjoyed success with the Boston Celtics before moving into a front-office role.
Hurley’s potential appointment would be a significant gamble for the Lakers. The franchise, steeped in history and expectations, requires a coach who can manage star players and navigate the complexities of the NBA. While Hurley’s tactical acumen and intensity are assets, adapting these qualities to the professional level will be critical to his success.
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