Bobby Hurley Begins Tenth Season Amid High Stakes for ASU Basketball

TEMPE, Arizona — Bobby Hurley starts his 11th season as head coach of Arizona State men’s basketball during a pivotal year for his future. With a contract ending at season’s close, Hurley faces pressure to guide the Sun Devils back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2023.

The Sun Devils are reeling from a challenging previous season, marred by injuries and a disappointing 13-20 record, including a 4-16 mark in the Big 12. Hurley’s roster this year is nearly entirely new, featuring only one returning scholarship player. To rebuild the team, he enlisted several talented transfers, but injuries have already impacted the squad.

One major addition, guard Vijay Wallace, will miss the entire 2025-26 season due to an ankle injury from an exhibition game. Among the newcomers, senior Moe Odum stands out. After averaging 13.1 points and ranking fourth in the nation with 7.5 assists per game at Pepperdine last year, his experience is vital for the team.

Trevor Best, a sophomore, is the only returning player and showed flashes of potential last season, averaging 3.6 points in limited minutes. Other key players include Adante Holiman, another senior, who brings his scoring ability after averaging nearly 17 points per game at Georgia Southern, and Marcus Adams Jr., who impressed with a 16.5 point average at Cal State Northridge.

Finally, center Massamba Diop, a 7-foot-1 freshman from Senegal, has potential to become an impactful player, combining offensive skills and defensive presence. Despite these additions, the Sun Devils face daunting tasks ahead in rebuilding chemistry and ensuring effective communication on the court.

Arizona State’s first real test comes against No. 21 Gonzaga on November 14, followed by participation in the Maui Invitational, featuring teams like USC and Texas. These games will be critical for the Sun Devils as they seek to establish their identity and performance under Hurley’s leadership in what could be his final season in Tempe.