UConn coach Geno Auriemma hosted his annual charity golf event to benefit Connecticut Children’s Medical Center

WEST HARTFORD — As fans across Connecticut anxiously awaited Dan Hurley’s decision regarding an offer to coach the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma remained steadfast in his perspective on the situation.

“I’m sure everybody was feeling a bit nervous and all that,” Auriemma acknowledged on Tuesday. “But I always had a feeling he would stay here.”

Auriemma had previously made remarks on The Dan Patrick Show on June 6, where he jokingly mentioned a conversation with Hurley about coaching the Lakers the night before. Following this, news emerged of the Lakers’ interest, and Hurley was in California for an interview the next day.

However, speaking at his annual charity golf event, Auriemma expressed his unwavering belief that the strong ties to the region would keep Hurley and his family rooted in Connecticut.

“There’s too much investment here,” Auriemma stressed. “And by that, I don’t just mean Connecticut… I’m referring to Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, the entire area. It’s not easy to just up and leave. I’m sure everyone has a number for anything.

“But I never worried. Then again, I’m not Dave Benedict. I’m not the one who asked him.

“I’m pleased he stayed, but I never thought he would leave.”

Acknowledging his connections in the NBA, Auriemma has been known to attend NBA practices, particularly those of the Chicago Bulls during the mid-1990s, featuring Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson, in search of ideas.

Could Hurley transition to coaching at the NBA level, a move that has become increasingly rare from college to the professional ranks?

“He mentioned that’s something he wants to pursue in the future,” Auriemma shared. “And if that’s his ambition, I’m certain he’ll find a way to make it happen. The timing and the right opportunity have to align. There are numerous factors to consider, you know?

“It’s definitely feasible. Brad Stevens did it, and it turned out quite well for him. So I’m sure it’s in his future somewhere down the line.”

Stevens made the leap from coaching Butler to leading the Celtics, eventually transitioning to a role in the front office and contributing to the construction of an NBA championship-winning team.

Stevens, a close associate of Auriemma in the NBA, currently serves as the president of the Celtics, who clinched their 18th championship banner by defeating the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night. Auriemma mentioned that he was finalizing arrangements for his charity event, preventing him from attending Game 5 of the NBA Finals in Boston.

Although he watched the game on television, he kept in touch by texting Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. It is expected that he will be in contact with Stevens and Celtics vice president Allison Feaster, who is also the mother of UConn freshman Sarah Strong.

Auriemma has previously discussed potential opportunities to join an NBA coaching staff earlier in his career. However, he ultimately remained at UConn and is now entering his 40th season. Recently, he agreed to a five-year contract extension, something he would not have foreseen just a few years ago.

“If you had asked me three or four years ago, during the midst of COVID and various other challenges… I wouldn’t have believed I would sign a five-day contract,” Auriemma reflected.

However, he has committed to coaching into his 70s per his contractual obligations. Meanwhile, Hurley is set to become one of the highest-paid coaches in his sport, reportedly finalizing a six-year, $50 million agreement with UConn.

“I made sure to sign my contract before he did his,” Auriemma quipped. “If I had waited for him to secure his funding, I would have ended up with just season tickets to men’s games. So I made sure to finalize mine.”

Auriemma’s press briefing, lasting 35 minutes, concluded shortly before noon on Tuesday as golfers geared up for his tournament. The event’s proceeds support the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, with Auriemma’s golf fundraiser amassing nearly $700,000 in donations last year.

Several UConn players, including Paige Bueckers, were present at the golf course. Auriemma praised his current roster before engaging with golfers and event staff.

He also chimed in with a sports opinion.

“Let’s go Phillies,” Auriemma stated. “That’s all we got left now. The Celts are in. … So New England is the basketball capital of the world. Not just Storrs. Now New England is the basketball capital of the world.”