Donovan Clingan ‘not surprised’ Dan Hurley didn’t leave UConn

Donovan Clingan, the former UConn star who some say has a chance to be the No. 1 pick in this week’s NBA draft, said he’s not shocked that his former coach , Dan Hurley, refused the Lakers’ return to Storrs.

“It’s cool that they wanted it,” Clingan said Saturday of Hurley, who will instead return to Storrs to try to win a third straight national championship.

“It shows what a good coach he is and what level he is (the Lakers) wanted him to be at,” Clingan said. “But he loves UConn.”

The Lakers offered Hurley a six-year, $70 million contract to go to Los Angeles.

Instead, Hurley is expected to receive an extension from Connecticut worth six years and $50 million.

“He’s a great coach and he could coach anywhere,” Clingan said. “But I’m not surprised because I know what UConn means to him.”

As for his own future, the 7-foot-2 Clingan said he’s ready to take on the next challenge, regardless of which team picks him or what number he picks after declaring for the draft after two seasons in Connecticut.

“I have no idea where I’m going to be,” said the 20-year-old, who was at Yankee Stadium to watch batting practice. “I will be ready wherever I go. I am ready to work at the next level.