ASU Moves On from Bobby Hurley: A New Era in Sun Devil Basketball
After a tenure of 11 years, punctuated by a 185-167 record, three NCAA tournament appearances, and an infamous number of technical fouls, the Arizona State University (ASU) men’s basketball program has decided to part ways with head coach Bobby Hurley. This momentous announcement came just hours after a staggering 49-point loss to Iowa State in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament, which marked the largest margin of defeat in the tournament’s history.
While stepping into a new era of Sun Devil basketball presents its challenges, there’s an undeniable hope for a turnaround in Tempe. The Sun Devils have witnessed undeniable successes in their football and women’s basketball programs after leadership changes, suggesting a potential for similar outcomes in the men’s division. Defying expectations is at the core of the Sun Devil ethos, whether on grass or hardwood.
The Sun Devils do have the talent needed to rebuild; this season, they achieved two top-15 victories against Texas Tech and Kansas. However, the path to revitalizing the men’s basketball program will not be straightforward. Many within the community have felt that this coaching change was overdue, illustrating the urgency to restore the glory of Sun Devil basketball.
Challenges and Opportunities in Rebuilding
To put it plainly, ASU is not traditionally known as a basketball school. Athletic Director Graham Rossini has emphasized a football-first approach, bolstered by the impressive achievements of head coach Kenny Dillingham and a lucrative contract extension just months ago.
Yet, during his tenure, Hurley navigated the landscape with commendable recruiting efforts. He successfully attracted several 4- and 5-star recruits, helping reach a program-high No. 3 ranking in 2018. However, a persistent issue under Hurley was the retention of talent—an area that the next coach must immediately address.
The recent transition of ASU to the Big 12 Conference adds another layer to this narrative. This prestigious conference not only elevates the level of competition but also offers ASU a more considerable spotlight, making the program more appealing to prospective players and coaches. These factors could serve as crucial tools for attracting top talent moving forward.
Potential Candidates for the Coaching Position
Among the names being mentioned in the coaching search, Utah State’s head coach Jerrod Calhoun and New Mexico’s head coach Eric Olen emerge as promising candidates. Both have successfully turned around their respective programs in mid-major environments without the resources typically available to Power Five schools.
Alongside them, Arizona native Randy Bennett, head coach of Saint Mary’s, has also gained attention for his consistent success in the West Coast Conference. A charismatic coach like Bennett could not only enhance recruitment but also foster a culture conducive to winning.
To see the tangible benefits of effective coaching, one only has to look at ASU women’s basketball head coach Molly Miller. Her recruitment efforts and successful management of a roster rebuilt through the transfer portal have revitalized the women’s program, leading to a resurgence marked by increased student attendance and a strong home record. There’s a clear path for the men’s program to experience similar success if they make the right choice in their next head coach.
The Importance of Roster Retention
Retaining talent will be a critical next step for ASU as they look to rebuild their men’s basketball roster. While the Sun Devils may face a challenging path next year, there are standout players worth keeping. Redshirt sophomore forward Santiago Trouet has demonstrated significant improvement, adding valuable offensive skills that could be vital for the team’s next chapter. Additionally, sophomore guard Noah Meeusen serves as a defensive asset, with promising potential to excel in a Big 12 offense.
However, the centerpiece of the rebuilding effort must be freshman center Massamba Diop. Standing at 7 feet 1 inch, Diop has emerged as a defensive stalwart, known for his elite rim protection and versatility. Protecting Diop from poaching by elite programs will be imperative for ASU, especially considering his relationships within the coaching staff, particularly with assistant coach Nick Irvin.
Support and Future Prospects
All these changes could prove pivotal in avoiding a prolonged rebuilding process. Despite the rarity of quick turnarounds—though recent successes from Dillingham and Miller may suggest otherwise—there’s a collective belief that the Sun Devils shouldn’t settle, especially given the flashes of promise seen in their current roster.
The University is also beginning to harness the power of financial investment into basketball, enhancing the prospects for immediate improvements. Alumni and NBA MVP James Harden has been vocal in advocating for increased support for ASU’s NIL initiatives, which could significantly aid recruitment and retention.
Additionally, the impending $100 million renovation of Desert Financial Arena, set to begin in May, will offer critical aesthetic improvements that could enhance the game-day experience. Rossini’s commitment to modernizing the facilities brings renewed hope, indicating that ASU basketball is ready for a much-needed elevation.
A Fresh Start on the Horizon
As ASU begins its journey toward rebuilding its men’s basketball program, there are numerous challenges ahead. The road to success is often fraught with uncertainties and complications, but the dynamic of basketball is inherently about runs and momentum shifts. With the right moves—including strategic timeouts, clever line-up changes, and necessary adjustments—Sun Devil basketball may well be on the cusp of a new, promising season.
Editor’s note: The opinions presented in this letter are the author’s and do not imply any endorsement from The State Press or its editors.
Author’s Bio
Sam Troester is a junior studying political science with a minor in business. This is his second semester with The State Press.
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