Spring Break
Calhoun moving to Hollywood?
Adam Caparell
Issue date: 2/3/05 Section: Sports
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But the buzz surrounding the Huskies and Calhoun before and after the game had nothing to do with his milestone, but rather the speculation that the UConn coach has been mentioned as a possible candidate for an NBA coaching job with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Marc Stein reported on ESPN.com Tuesday night that the Lakers will contact Calhoun at the end of the season to gauge his interest in coaching the team after Rudy Tomjanovich resigned Wednesday afternoon.
Calhoun was asked about the rumor during his post-game press conference and shot it down.
"I did have a good discussion with [former UConn star[ Caron [Butler], the only Laker I've talked to, about the Late Show," Calhoun said.
Calhoun was referring to the current Lakers' forward who appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno last week. Calhoun made sure he was watching.
"He was magnificent," Calhoun said. "If you saw him on Leno, my wife cried, I teared up. He's so good. I think someone should write a book about him. If someone doesn't, they're crazy."
The tale of Butler is one of triumph and tragedy. Butler came from a rough upbringing before he landed at UConn. As a teen, Butler spent time in jail, only to eventually work his way into becoming a top 10 selection in the NBA draft and one of the Lakers' starting forwards.
Calhoun was pressed some more, but had the same answer.
"I've never had any contact with the Lakers," Calhoun said. "Right now I'm trying to get ready for St. John's [on Saturday] and hope to get that book ready for Caron."
News of the rumor came as a surprise to the Huskies.
"I just found that out," Josh Boone said. "I think he likes it here pretty much. We'll see what happens."
"I haven't really looked into it. I haven't paid attention to it at all," Marcus Williams said.
Amidst all the speculation, the Huskies would rather see their coach stay in Connecticut than try his hand at the professional level.
"I'll be here for a while, so I'm hoping he'll stay," Boone said.