The commotion about KO possibly going to OKC was all speculation. It was also based on a poor understanding of Ollie.
It made sense to the pundits that OKC wanted KO. He is a great coach who already has an NCAA ring and is well respected by the 2 players who are the key to that franchise's future. Reasonable conjecture.
It made sense to the pundits that KO would leap if the offer was extended because he would receive a more money for coaching a potential powerhouse with 2 of the top players in the NBA. Reasonable conjecture.
It made sense to the pundits that KO would leap because they believe that UConn is a bad job because the Huskies are in a tidy bowl spiral on the SS AAC. Reasonable conjecture.
However, that speculation discounts KO's character. UConn is not a bad job or a launching point to KO. He would not prefer to coach any other college program, but surely would prefer coaching UConn in a P5 conference.
Pundits did not consider that Ollie may be better suited and derive greater satisfaction from turning out great men, who occasionally cut the nets in April.
Pundits did not consider that Ollie is a family man and , despite his marital issues, still has a daughter to walk to the bus and a son to watch play for Fordham.
Pundits did not consider the family at all. KO has missed enough of their youth.
Pundits did not consider that KO undoubtedly considers work/life balance. You have a better chance to have a life coaching UConn than coaching in the NBA.
Pundits did not consider that if KO leaves UConn he is going to actually feel for the young men who believed in him and his promises to elevate them as people and players. No way he leaves kids hanging.
Pundits did not consider the loyalty that KO feels to Calhoun and the fact that there is no heir apparent to hand the keys to.
That the pundits thought money mattered the most and seized upon the use of the phrase "not pursue" as a clever dodge says much about the pundits and about Ollie. I don't think it ever occurred to KO that his wording was clever. I have to agree with Jacobs, he is not someone to play games with nomenclature to create a false impression while still being able later to deny he lied.
I think KO is will be here long term. I suspect he never gives up coaching college, but the game is changing so there maybe an NBA coaching career. I think UConn will be spotless and self-sustaining before he goes.