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Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl just locked up the final piece of his 2024-25 roster, signing transfer Miles Kelly this week. Having solidified his lineup for the coming season, the attention was expected turn to the floor where the Tigers hope to return to the NCAA Tournament.
Instead, an unexpected narrative began to overtake college basketball headlines. Bruce Pearl was suddenly trending in connection with another job!
Social media erupted on Thursday morning with the news that the Los Angeles Lakers were targeting Dan Hurley as their next head coach. The reports contradicted previous belief that JJ Redick had been the front-runner to land the gig.
While nothing’s been decided beyond that initial interest, outlets are already prepping for the possibility of life after Hurley in Storrs. Who could potentially replace the two-time national championship winning coach?
Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68 named his top option.
Auburn’s Bruce Pearl has worked wonders in the SEC, leading the Tigers to two regular season conference titles, two league tournament championships, five Big Dances, and a Final Four.
His most recent squad was one of his most dominant, going 27-8 before being upset by Yale in the opening round of March Madness. Plans were to continue building on his success in 2024-25. Things have suddenly changed!
If Dan Hurley leaves UConn for the Lakers, the guy I would target is Auburn’s Bruce Pearl.
Grew up in New England, has the personality to follow Dan Hurley, can coach/recruit and his buyout is reasonable. https://t.co/O20zQsJqiQ
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 6, 2024
On-court success combined with Northeast ties have Pearl at the top of a number of lists should Hurley ultimately move on.
Again, while nothing’s set in stone, it offers an unexpected distraction for the Auburn Tigers.
What would happen if Bruce Pearl bolted for UCONN?
As it turns out, he just locked in his final signee of the offseason. His most recent class is headlined by a quartet of four-star newcomers, most notably Miles Kelly who signed with the program this week after transferring from Georgia Tech.
Bruce Pearl on signing Miles Kelly to complete Auburn’s roster for the 2024-25 season… pic.twitter.com/Wl2JbFFCl0
— Bryan Matthews (@BMattAU) June 5, 2024
That group is more than talented enough to keep the Tigers in contention for SEC titles, but things can change quickly with the transfer portal!
NCAA rules allow for player movement should coaching changes take place.
Roster members have 30 days after their coach’s official departure to test the waters, and the Tigers would undoubtedly be impacted should Bruce Pearl wind up at UCONN.
Who would’ve thought the Lakers could have an impact on Auburn recruiting? Quite the domino effect!
Again, everything remains speculation at this point. Even if Hurley does head to the West Coast, Pearl has to both be offered and accept the role with the Huskies in order for any of this to come to fruition.
Still, the fact that their head coach is even involved in the discussion has caused an unanticipated offseason distraction!