Former University of Connecticut star Donovan Clingan, who some have said could be the No. 1 pick in this week’s NBA draft, said he wasn’t surprised that former coach Dan Hurley turned down the Lakers to return to Storrs.
“It’s great that they wanted him,” Clingan said Saturday about Hurley, who will instead return to Storrs and try to win a third consecutive national championship.
“It just shows what a good coach he is and what level he’s at.” [the Lakers] “He wanted to,” Clingan said, “but he loves the University of Connecticut.”
The Lakers offered Hurley a six-year, $70 million contract to go to Los Angeles.
In return, Hurley is expected to receive a six-year contract extension from Connecticut worth $50 million.
“He’s a great coach and he could coach anywhere,” Clingan said, “but I know what the University of Connecticut means to him, so it’s not a surprise.”
As for his future, the 7-foot-2 Clingan said after two seasons at the University of Connecticut that he’s ready for the next challenge, regardless of which team he’s drafted or how far he is drafted.
“I don’t know where I’ll be,” the 20-year-old said while watching batting practice at Yankee Stadium. “I’m ready wherever that goes. I’m ready to work hard at the next level.”
