Donovan Clingan, the former UConn star that some believe has a chance to be the No. 1 pick in this week’s NBA Draft, said he wasn’t shocked that his old coach, Dan Hurley, turned down the Lakers to return to Storrs.
“It’s cool they wanted him,’’ Clingan said Saturday of Hurley, who will instead return to Storrs in an attempt to win a third straight national championship.
“It shows how good a coach he is and what level he’s on that [the Lakers] wanted him,’’ Clingan said. “But he loves UConn.”
The Lakers offered Hurley a six-year, $70 million deal to go to Los Angeles.
Instead, Hurley is expected to receive an extension from Connecticut that will be worth six years and $50 million.
“He’s a great coach and could coach anywhere,’’ Clingan said. “But I’m not surprised because I know what UConn means to him.”
As for his own future, the 7-foot-2 Clingan said he’s prepared for the next challenge, regardless of what team picks him or what number he goes after declaring for the draft following two seasons at Connecticut.
“I have no idea where I’m gonna be,’’ said the 20-year-old, who was at Yankee Stadium watching batting practice. “I’m gonna be ready for wherever I go. I’m ready to work at the next level.”
