Dan Hurley's Return to UConn: A Blow to the Lakers and a Boost to College Basketball

Dan Hurley's decision to turn down the Los Angeles Lakers and return to UConn has major implications for college basketball and the NBA.

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Dan Hurley’s Return to UConn: What it Means for Gonzaga and College Basketball

The basketball world was left stunned on Monday when Dan Hurley, the two-time national championship coach, declined an offer to become the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Instead, Hurley opted to return to the University of Connecticut (UConn) in pursuit of a third consecutive NCAA title.

Hurley’s decision to turn down a six-year, $70 million offer from the Lakers is a significant blow to the NBA franchise, but a massive boost to UConn and college basketball as a whole.

UConn Will Continue to be a Title Contender

With Hurley at the helm, the Huskies have been the most dominant team in college basketball over the past two seasons. They have won 141 games and lost 58 under Hurley, including 68-11 over the past two championship seasons. The Huskies have also set a tournament record for point differential this past season (140).

Hurley’s ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of college athletics has been key to UConn’s success. Despite losing key players to the NBA, the Huskies are projected to be a top-10 preseason team next season.

UConn Huskies UConn celebrates their second-straight national championship

College Basketball Wins, NBA Loses

Hurley’s decision to turn down the Lakers’ offer says a lot about the state of the franchise. The Lakers have had six head coaches since 2011, and no coach has lasted more than three seasons. The pressure to succeed immediately is immense, and the Lakers’ future is uncertain with LeBron James approaching 40 years old.

![LeBron James](/_search_image Lakers LeBron James) LeBron James in action for the Los Angeles Lakers

Gonzaga and Other Contenders are on Notice

Gonzaga, who face UConn on December 14 at Madison Square Garden next season, will be looking to avenge their past two losses to the Huskies. The Bulldogs have fallen to UConn in each of the past two seasons, and will be eager to capitalize on the opportunity to take down the back-to-back national champions.

![Gonzaga Bulldogs](/_search_image Gonzaga Bulldogs) Gonzaga Bulldogs in action

With Hurley’s return to UConn, the Huskies will continue to be a dominant force in college basketball. Gonzaga and other contenders will need to be at the top of their game if they hope to dethrone the reigning champions.