Dan Hurley posts hilarious picture revealing thoughts on transfer portal
Head coach Dan Hurley has led UConn to back-to-back national titles, but he isn’t invincible. On Friday, Hurley posted a picture of himself lying on the floor with the caption: “Day 1 in the portal…”
It’s been a busy week for Hurley. On Monday, Hurley boosted his Huskies to a 75-60 triumph over Purdue in the national championship. With the win, UConn became the first program to complete a national championship repeat since Billy Donovan led Florida to history in the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
Before Hurley could begin to soak in the moment, reporters drowned Hurley in questions about the head coach opening at Kentucky. Less than 48 hours later, Kentucky put the full-court press on Hurley, reportedly offering him up to $12 million a year.
Hurley was unmoved. After all, Kentucky coaches have to suffer through the transfer portal, as well. Despite his angst about the situation, Hurley intimately understands how critical success in the transfer portal is.
Last offseason, UConn added Rutgers guard Cam Spencer in the portal. Spencer played and started in all 40 of the Huskies’ game this season, averaging 14.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 48.4% from the field and 44% from beyond the arc.
The 6-foot-4 senior was key in UConn’s win over Purdue, tallying 11 points and eight rebounds. Now, Hurley must hunt for his next hidden gem, even if it makes him want to bury his face in his office floor.
Dan Hurley’s previous grievances with the transfer portal
This isn’t the first time Hurley has expressed his frustration with the current state of the transfer portal. The 51-year-old head coach was outspoken about the NCAA’s decision to open the transfer portal before the season ended.
“I think we could wait until we get to maybe the conclusion of the season,” Hurley said. “That would be nice. It almost feels like in a way right now teams that are really, really successful and having great seasons, it’s almost becoming pro sports, where it feels like we’re going to have the last pick in the draft.
“You can’t open up that window until the season is over. I don’t think you should play in five schools in four years or four schools in four years,” he continued. “Don’t think that’s healthy for the individual for the long-term 50, 60-year life after their playing career is over because there’s no connection with our university, a coaching staff, a network of alumni that can help create opportunities once basketball is over.
“Whether it’s a one-time – I don’t know. I don’t like the window being open right now. I just don’t think it’s healthy for somebody to be able to change schools like underwear.”