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Wagner doubles up on its Hurleys

It’s not often a college hoops program turns to a high school coach. Wagner didn’t hire a typical prep coach I Danny Hurley, though. He comes with reinforcements.

Hurley’s spent the nine years turning St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, N.J., into a national power. He brings D-I playing experience, with time spent at Seton Hall in the early ‘90s. He also had his older brother, Bobby, on hand to help recruit and coach.

Yes, that Bobby Hurley, the all-time D-I assists leader and a guy who won two national titles at Duke. The brother form the heart of a fun feature by SI.com’s Seth Davis, who covers the challenges they face in building Wagner.

“Not a lot of staffs have someone who was arguably the best point guard ever to play college basketball and a lottery pick,” Danny told Davis. “Plus, loyalty and trust is at a premium. If you can’t trust your brother, who can you trust?”

Can they turn the Seahawks into a NEC contender? It’ll depend on how they recruit. The coaching acumen is in place. Both Hurleys know their stuff, and they can always turn to their dad, Bob Sr., for advice. (He was just inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.)

But if it gets tough, dad won’t be much help. Not that Danny or Bobby will like it either.

“I know the losing is inevitable, but I don’t ever want to get used to it,” Danny told Davis. “I don’t think Hurleys are built that way.”

Mike Miller’s also on Twitter @BeyndArcMMiller, usually talkin’ hoops. Click here for more.