The waiting game continued into Wednesday night, as the local college basketball world waited for Dan Hurley's decision about his coaching future.

As of 9 p.m., Hurley still hadn't announced whether he'll remain at Rhode Island, or accept an offer from either UConn or Pittsburgh.

It was six years ago Wednesday that Hurley was introduced as Rhode Island's head coach. Hurley eventually built the program into an Atlantic 10 Conference power. This season, the Rams qualified for the NCAA tournament for the second straight year and won their first league regular season title. They finished 26-8 overall.

Both Pittsburgh and UConn are hoping that Hurley can bring their respective programs back into the national spotlight. Both the Panthers and Huskies, two former Big East rivals, have suffered consecutive losing seasons.

Pittsburgh reportedly offered Hurley, 45, a multi-year deal worth over $3 million per year, a substantial raise from his roughly $1.1 million annual salary at URI.

UConn also is making a hard push to sign its No. 1 choice to replace Kevin Ollie, who was fired March 10 after six seasons in Storrs.

It's a safe bet that URI is doing all it can to keep Hurley, who's posted a 112-82 overall record, including 51-18 in the last two seasons, during his time in Kingston. He was named the conference's coach of the year this season.

At least two college basketball programs will be unhappy in the near future.

A New Jersey native and former Big East player at Seton Hall and assistant coach at Rutgers, Hurley always has had great respect and admiration for the UConn program.

But, until Hurley announces his decision, all three schools are left playing the waiting game.

g.keefe@theday.com