-
Pete Thamel, ESPN
GLENDALE, Arizona — With Kentuckycoaching work of is expected to officially open on TuesdayUConn’s Dan Hurley made it clear Monday night that he plans to stay with Huskies and try to win a third straight national championship.
After UConn defeated Purdue 75-60 ARRIVE repeated as NCAA tournament champions, Hurley peppered his opening remarks with a few jokes, telling reporters he didn’t “think it was something to worry about” when asked about Kentucky. He added that they should ask his wife, Andrea, also a New Jersey native.
“Oh my God, Kentucky or wherever would take her away from New Jersey,” he said when asked about her reaction to a potential move. “I mean, we just went to Rhode Island, where I had to drag her, then to Connecticut. I brought her closer. And now further? I can’t afford a divorce either. I just started making money.” .”
Hurley went on to offer some insight into what’s next for his program: “Now, you’re thinking in my head, as I’m looking in the locker room, about the opportunity to do that three times, like a modern-day dynasty. I mean, that’s exactly what I was thinking.”
UConn officials echoed that sentiment, as they gave Hurley a huge new contract last year after he won his first national title there. Hurley makes $5 million this season as part of a six-year contract announced in June.
UConn athletic director David Benedict told ESPN that it’s encouraging when people mention Hurley in connection with job opportunities, a sign that people think “he’s the best coach in the country.” ”.
Benedict said he looks forward to another round of conversations with Hurley.
“We will move as quickly as possible,” Benedict told ESPN. “I mean, we’re not even an hour after the game. But yeah, we’ll be looking forward to having a conversation, whether it’s with the Coach or his agent, and making sure that all We are both in a good place.
“No different than what we did last year. We will continue to do everything we can to put him, his staff and this program in a position to compete for championships. Obviously part of that is retention, and so we want to retain people.”
Hurley said his focus is on next year at UConn — preparations will begin on Tuesday’s return trip.
“On the flight home tomorrow, we’ll start talking about what the squad will be like,” he said. “Obviously we’ve graduated some players. We’re going to lose a few players that could potentially make it to the NBA early. We’re going to go in deep and put together a roster that can play basketball at a high level.” equivalent to the team you guys have seen the last two years. That’s what I know our mindset will be.”
Following the news that John Calipari is finalizing a deal with ArkansasHurley became the second Final Four coach to address the vacancy at Kentucky before it officially opened. Alabama coach Nate Oats make a statement Monday announced he would stay in Tuscaloosa.
