ASU Basketball: New Roster Must Deliver in Hurley’s Contract Year
Bobby Hurley embarks on his 11th season as head coach of ASU men’s basketball, entering the final year of his contract. This season could be crucial for Hurley, as he aims to secure his position with a strong performance in March. The Sun Devils have struggled recently, missing the NCAA Tournament since 2023 and coming off a season plagued by injuries.
Changes in the Roster
The ASU roster is undergoing significant changes, featuring nearly all new players except for one returning scholarship athlete. To enhance the team’s scoring capabilities, Hurley has recruited several players through the transfer portal.
- Vijay Wallace: A JUCO standout who sustained a lower leg injury during preseason, sidelining him for the entire season.
- Trevor Best (6’3″, sophomore): A promising recruit who averaged 3.6 points in limited game time since joining in January.
- Moe Odum (6’2″, senior): A pivotal addition at point guard, Odum averaged 13.1 points and ranked fourth nationally with 7.5 assists per game while at Pepperdine last season.
- Adante’ Holiman (5’11”, senior): A seasoned scorer with a remarkable average of 16.9 points and 81 three-pointers made at Georgia Southern in the previous season.
- Marcus Adams Jr. (6’8″, sophomore): Another key scorer who maintained a 16.5-point average on 53% shooting along with 4.9 rebounds at Cal State Northridge.
- Allen Mukeba (6’8″, graduate): The Belgian forward averaged 14.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while playing for Oakland last season.
- Massamba Diop (7’1″, freshman): This Senegalese player has impressive potential, having previously played in Europe.
Departures and Transfers
The team also sees the departure of several key players. Jayden Quaintance, regarded as one of ASU’s top recruits, suffered an ACL injury last season and transferred to Kentucky. Other players who have left include Alston Mason, B.J. Freeman, Basheer Jihad, Joson Sanon, and Adam Miller. Collectively, these athletes contributed 96% of ASU’s scoring last year.
Key Upcoming Matches
Arizona State has a challenging schedule ahead. The Sun Devils will host No. 21 Gonzaga on November 14 and participate in the Maui Invitational from November 24 to 26, competing against teams like USC, Texas, and NC State. In addition, ASU will face No. 12 UCLA on December 17.
Historical Context
Bobby Hurley has led ASU to the NCAA Tournament three times but has faced early exits, with the team losing in the First Four or the opening round each time. Historically known for their scoring, the Sun Devils will need to enhance their defensive performance after allowing an average of 76.8 points per game last season, ranking 15th in the Big 12.
Furthermore, Hurley’s son, Bobby Hurley Jr., has joined the coaching staff as the director of analytics and strategy, furthering the family’s contribution to the program.
