Rumored to be among the leading candidates for the L.A. Lakers coaching job and perhaps even other NBA openings, the University of Connecticut has stepped up its efforts to open contract talks with coach Kevin Ollie.
Fresh off leading the upstart Huskies to an improbable national title in just his second season, the 41-year-old Ollie is widely viewed as one of the coaching world's hottest commodities. According to Yahoo!Sports.com, NBA execs rave about Ollie's game-planning and leadership abilities.
Lakers interested in Kevin Ollie?
In the case of Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, the team seems even more intrigued with how big the native Californian might go over with their frustrated fan base. The Lakers are coming off their worst season (27-55) in franchise history and view the possibility of being able to hire Ollie as a huge olive branch to their fans.
In addition, Ollie played 13 NBA seasons and one-time teammates from LeBron James to Kevin Durant have all praised his knowledge of and approach to the game. Some have even speculated Oklahoma City may also be interested in adding him in hopes it will increase their chances of holding on to Durant once he becomes a free agent.
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After winning 20 games in his first season as longtime coach Jim Calhoun's successor, Ollie strategically guided Shabazz Napier and the Huskies' run this season, ending with a climatic title-game win over Kentucky and coach John Calipari's all freshmen starting lineup.
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