Geno Auriemma Encourages Dan Hurley to Accept Lakers HC Job, Shades JJ Redick Rumors
It turns out Geno Auriemma had a sixth sense about Dan Hurley being involved in the Los Angeles Lakers' coaching search.
Auriemma told the Dan Patrick Show he joked about Hurley having success with the Lakers on Wednesday—one night before news broke of the team's interest in hiring the UConn men's basketball coach.
John Fanta of Fox Sports reported Hurley informed Huskies players Thursday morning that he's been in talks with the Lakers. Hurley reportedly told players it was "business as usual for now."
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news that shook the NBA and college basketball world, saying Hurley been the Lakers' top target all along. In recent weeks, all public rumors pointed to ESPN broadcaster and former NBA guard JJ Redick being the overwhelming favorite for the job.
Auriemma shaded Redick's candidacy during his interview with Patrick, though he only referred to Redick as the "guy who's never coached." Redick has never coached beyond the youth level but has interviewed for the Lakers' and Charlotte Hornets' vacancies this offseason.
It seems like Redick also believed he was the frontrunner, telling GoJo and Golic that he'll address his future after the NBA Finals.
Hurley likewise has no NBA coaching experience, but he's worked his way up from high school all the way to winning back-to-back national titles at UConn.
