The Arizona State University (ASU) men’s basketball team has faced quite a few hurdles in the past season, but one thing is clear: Bobby Hurley will be back as the head coach for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Despite the team’s struggles and a less-than-stellar performance, ASU’s athletic director, Graham Rossini, has publicly expressed support for Hurley, signaling a commitment to making necessary improvements to the program.
Challenges for Bobby Hurley
This past season, the Sun Devils finished with an overall record of 13 wins and 19 losses, including a disappointing 4-16 record in the Big 12 Conference. Given these difficulties, some fans and critics have raised questions about Hurley’s position as coach. Earning a hefty $3.54 million this season, many noted that Hurley is among the most overpaid coaches in college basketball. Critics believe that with three NCAA Tournament appearances in ten seasons, the performance hasn’t fully justified his salary.
ASU’s Recent Performance
Hurley’s time at ASU has been a rollercoaster ride. Despite a decent win percentage of 53%, the team has never cracked the Associated Press Top 25 rankings during his tenure. This season was plagued by injuries and some key player suspensions, making it tough for the team to find their rhythm.
Support from Athletic Director
Even with these challenges, Graham Rossini is behind Hurley 100%. He emphasized the need for the team to find depth in the roster and hinted that changes to the coaching staff might be on the horizon. Rossini noted that only nine players participated in a significant number of minutes this past season, which is a stark sign that the program needs a boost.
Looking Ahead
For fans of the Sun Devils, the big question is how the team will move forward. Rossini is empowering Hurley to make decisions regarding staff and has committed to helping the program recruit new talent, both from high school and the transfer portal. This assistance may provide the springboard ASU needs to improve its standing in the Big 12 and restore pride in the basketball program.
Changing Dynamics
ASU has seen a high turnover of assistant coaches during Hurley’s decade-long tenure. The constant shifts in support staff could shake up the continuity necessary for long-term success. As Hurley looks to solidify his coaching team, it will be crucial to maintain stability while instilling a winning culture that resonates throughout the team.
Insights from Fans
Fans have voiced their opinions on social media about Hurley’s future with the program. Some believe it’s time for a change, while others argue that continuity is important, especially during challenging times. As supporters of ASU basketball watch closely, the decisions made in the coming months will be vital in shaping the team’s future.
