Per Pilgrim
Do not believe this is over, despite the NJ.com report Scott Drew is Kentucky's main target and the two sides are in talks. Mitch Barnhart and Drew have had positive discussions, sure, but it's my understanding this has nothing to do with the school's interest and pursuit of Dan Hurley.
I've been told Drew is seriously interested and would very likely accept, but there is an obvious donor push with Hurley and they want due diligence done there, as well. With the $33M buyout no longer in the picture, there's an understanding you have to give it a shot with the financial flexibility. And I don't think the hire extends beyond those two, despite Billy Donovan's anticipated interest through timing hurdles.
Have heard UConn is sweating the Kentucky talk with Hurley a bit and the leak (and its origin) aligns with that buzz. They don't want a contract in his hands because they know the money and situation will be hard for him to pass up if it gets to that point, no matter how great he has it in Storrs. They are rooting for this to end quickly with Drew named head coach so they can offer their own lucrative (relatively speaking) extension and begin the push for a three-peat.
Another thing to keep in mind: the one downside of Hurley's passion and drive to own the sport is that it's not limited to just college basketball. He wants to eventually land in the NBA and there is a very real chance you hire him for some unbelievable highs for two or three years before he becomes the next head coach of the New York Knicks. Barnhart doesn't want another high-profile search and hire before he retires and it's entirely possible he'd have to do that with Hurley. Drew is someone you can bet on being here for the long haul with his own major highs.
In short, Barnhart wants Drew, boosters want Hurley, but would also be very comfortable investing in Drew. They believe in either to get the job done and support is unanimous internally. NIL dollars will reflect that.
This is a win-win for Kentucky. Two outstanding options with championship pedigree, both home runs.
My money is on Drew.
Do not believe this is over, despite the NJ.com report Scott Drew is Kentucky's main target and the two sides are in talks. Mitch Barnhart and Drew have had positive discussions, sure, but it's my understanding this has nothing to do with the school's interest and pursuit of Dan Hurley.
I've been told Drew is seriously interested and would very likely accept, but there is an obvious donor push with Hurley and they want due diligence done there, as well. With the $33M buyout no longer in the picture, there's an understanding you have to give it a shot with the financial flexibility. And I don't think the hire extends beyond those two, despite Billy Donovan's anticipated interest through timing hurdles.
Have heard UConn is sweating the Kentucky talk with Hurley a bit and the leak (and its origin) aligns with that buzz. They don't want a contract in his hands because they know the money and situation will be hard for him to pass up if it gets to that point, no matter how great he has it in Storrs. They are rooting for this to end quickly with Drew named head coach so they can offer their own lucrative (relatively speaking) extension and begin the push for a three-peat.
Another thing to keep in mind: the one downside of Hurley's passion and drive to own the sport is that it's not limited to just college basketball. He wants to eventually land in the NBA and there is a very real chance you hire him for some unbelievable highs for two or three years before he becomes the next head coach of the New York Knicks. Barnhart doesn't want another high-profile search and hire before he retires and it's entirely possible he'd have to do that with Hurley. Drew is someone you can bet on being here for the long haul with his own major highs.
In short, Barnhart wants Drew, boosters want Hurley, but would also be very comfortable investing in Drew. They believe in either to get the job done and support is unanimous internally. NIL dollars will reflect that.
This is a win-win for Kentucky. Two outstanding options with championship pedigree, both home runs.
My money is on Drew.
