Rick Pitino shares whether he thinks Dan Hurley will leave UConn

Mar 21, 2023; New York, NY, USA; New St. John s head coach Rick Pitino speaks at his introductory press conference at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Rick Pitino would probably have a much better chance to win the Big East if Dan Hurley left UConn, but the legendary coach does not think his counterpart is going anywhere.

College basketball reporter Adam Zagoria spoke with Pitino on Monday to get the St. John’s coach’s opinion on Hurley potentially becoming the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Pitino predicted that Hurley will stay in Storrs, in part because Hurley’s family does not want to leave the East Coast.

FWIW, Rick Pitino told me today he doesn't know what Danny will do, but he doesn't think he'll take the Lakers job.

"His father and his wife don't want to go to Los Angeles."

Rick made similar comments over the weekend to the NY Post. https://t.co/YXw8d9JtIb

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) June 10, 2024

Pitino later clarified that he was only stating his opinion, not passing along inside information.

“For the record, I have no idea what Danny, his Dad, or wife want to do. I would love to see him stay in the Big East! He’s great for our league!” Pitino wrote on X.

For the record, I have no idea what Danny, his Dad, or wife want to do. I would love to see him stay in the Big East! He's great for our league!

— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) June 10, 2024

St. John’s had an impressive run in the Big East Tournament this year, but they — like everyone else in that tournament and the NCAA Tournament — were blown out by UConn. Pitino delivered a great quote about facing Hurley’s team leading up to that game.

Hurley, who has led the Huskies to back-to-back national championships, met with the Lakers over the weekend and made an honest admission about their pitch to him. He is expected to make a decision on Monday.