Eric SorensonIt seems only fitting the NCAA’s all-time assist leader has been hired to help Arizona State basketball pass a level of inconsistency which has plagued the program for the past two decades.
Friday morning ASU President Dr. Michael Crow and Director of Athletics Ray Anderson introduced Duke great Bobby Hurley as the new head coach of the men’s program taking over for Herb Sendek.
“I don’t micro-manage every dribble, every pass,” Hurley said before near-full room of media, Sun Devil players and school administrators. “Everyone has to play unselfishly on offense. That’s one of the things that we preach and talk about.”
Hurley, son of legendary high school coach Bob Hurley, Sr. describes himself as “blue-collar” in his approach. He comes to Tempe from the University of Buffalo where he experienced tremendous success in his two seasons at the school-taking the Bulls to the NCAA Tournament last month.
“Bobby Hurley epitomizes basketball excellence, with a keen knowledge of the game that stems from his lifelong involvement in the sport,” Anderson said. “His childhood consisted of watching the defining moments of the NCAA Tournament; his high school days included a 115-5 record on the court and four state titles; and his college career, with an excellence exemplified by two national championships. There are a number of characteristics that define not just great leaders, but also gifted mentors of young people.”
Hurley met with the team for the first time just hours before Friday’s press conference.
“There are so many things I can learn from him,” ASU freshman Tra Holder told Sports360AZ.com. “He was such a great point guard. All this knowledge he has to offer, I’m ready to take in.”
A new chapter in ASU basketball history is already underway.
