Caitlin Clark praises Dan Hurley’s decision to snub the Lakers and their $70m offer to stay in college basketball with UConn

Caitlin Clark has praised Dan Hurley’s “cool” decision to stay in college basketball after the UConn coach was heavily pursued by the Lakers.

Hurley, who has won two consecutive national championships with the Huskies, was offered a $70 million contract, according to the iconic NBA franchise. ESPN.

However, the 51-year-old decided to turn down the Lakers and stay in Storrs – a choice that former Iowa star Clark was happy with.

“I’ve enjoyed watching them over the years, and I think it’s cool that he’s staying in college basketball,” Clark said. Dan Zaksheske from Outkick.

“I think he really loves it and I think he loves being around those young men, and obviously he makes them great. I’m a big fan of his and a big fan of his show, and it was fun to watch.”

Hurley was courted by the Lakers, but ultimately turned down their six-year, $70 million offer

Hurley was reportedly offered a six-year contract at more than double his current UConn salary to coach LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Ultimately, though, he and the Huskies will bid for a historic third straight title, and he is expected to negotiate a new and improved contract in Storrs.

Last year, he signed a six-year, $32.1 million contract with Connecticut.

“I mean, shoot, two really good options,” Clark said of Hurley choosing between UConn and the Lakers.

‘I really admire it [Hurley]. I like his intensity. I love the way he guides the game. The way he coaches his players is great and he holds them accountable. He really gets the most out of it.’

Hurley told ESPN that the Lakers made a “compelling case” and that he was “extremely impressed” with VP and GM Rob Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss.

However, the average annual salary of $11.6 million he would receive is far less than the $13.1 million that Monty Williams – the coach of the NBA’s worst Pistons last season – is bringing in.

Clark, who was surprisingly cut from the U.S. Olympic team, played just 22 minutes against the Sun on Monday as the Fever fell to 3-10 on the year.

Hurley would have coached the legendary LeBron James had he taken the Lakers job

Clark was benched by Fever head coach Christie Sides during the third quarter on Monday

She was limited to just 10 points as Indiana lost 89-72.

Clark came out of the game in the third quarter and was benched along with the team’s other starters, a decision defended by Indiana coach Christie Sides after the game.

“We were down 28 and I wanted to put a group in there that would go out and play some defense,” she told reporters.

“I’m really proud of that group that went there… they played hard.”