The University of Connecticut introduced Dan Hurley as the school’s new men’s basketball coach Friday in Storrs. Hurley has a six-year deal with the Huskies and, with incentives, could make $18.75 million.
Hurley said that taking a job with a program that’s won four national titles is “humbling.” That made the difference between staying at the University of Rhode Island for good and leaving for UConn.
“I knew deep down inside I wanted just one more job in coaching—a place where Final Fours and national championships are a real distinct possibility,” Hurley said.
He also cited the ability to work with UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma and the opportunity to learn from former men’s coach Jim Calhoun as reasons for taking the job.
In the last three seasons, URI and Hurley had been more competitive than the Huskies.
They have one more NCAA tournament appearance and one more tournament victory than the Huskies do.
School officials want the team to be competitive again and they feel like they got their man.
“Today, with the hiring of Dan Hurley as UConn head coach of men’s basketball, we reaffirm the university’s commitment and intention to continue to compete as one of the country’s elite basketball program,” said athletic director David Benedict.
Jalen Adams has led the team in scoring the last two years. He’d be a senior next year, but he said he may see what he’s worth to NBA teams and test the draft process. But he said he’s still trying to figure things out and if he does play college ball next year, it’ll be with Hurley and UConn.
“Just talking to him—when he’s in a suit-and-tie, you can see his passion,” Adams said. “So, I’m just looking forward to getting in the gym and working with him.”
Adams should be careful what he wishes for—while Hurley said he’s a coach that is supportive to players during games, he said he’s a “butt-kicker” in practice.
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