ASU Basketball Outlook: New Team Aims for Success in Hurley’s Final Year
As Arizona State University (ASU) prepares for the upcoming men’s basketball season, all eyes are on Coach Bobby Hurley. He enters his 11th season and the final year of his contract. A strong performance in March could be crucial for his future with the program.
Team Overview: A Fresh Start
The Sun Devils are coming off a challenging season filled with injuries. They last made the NCAA Tournament in 2023. This year, the roster is largely new, featuring only one returning scholarship player. To reshape the team, Hurley utilized the transfer portal to bring in new talent.
Key Player Additions
- Moe Odum (6-foot-2, senior): A significant addition at point guard, he averaged 13.1 points and 7.5 assists per game at Pepperdine last season.
- Adante’ Holiman (5-foot-11, senior): Known for his scoring ability, Holiman averaged 16.9 points and made 81 three-pointers at Georgia Southern.
- Marcus Adams Jr. (6-foot-8, sophomore): He comes off a strong season at Cal State Northridge, averaging 16.5 points with 53% shooting.
- Allen Mukeba (6-foot-8, graduate): The Belgian forward averaged 14.6 points and 7.5 rebounds at Oakland last year.
- Massamba Diop (7-foot-1, freshman): This Senegalese player is recognized for his high potential after playing in Europe.
Unfortunately, the team faced setbacks as JUCO transfer Vijay Wallace sustained a lower leg injury during preseason practice, sidelining him for the entire season.
Notable Departures
The team also experienced significant losses. Jayden Quaintance, a top recruit who suffered an ACL injury, transferred to Kentucky during the offseason. Other departed players include Alston Mason, B.J. Freeman, Basheer Jihad, Joson Sanon, and Adam Miller, who collectively comprised 96% of last season’s scoring.
Upcoming Challenges
ASU’s schedule features some challenging matchups. They will host No. 21 Gonzaga on November 14 and participate in the Maui Invitational from November 24 to 26, where they will face teams like USC, Texas, and NC State. Additionally, they will compete against No. 12 UCLA on December 17.
Defensive Focus Needed
Historically, the Sun Devils have been able to score under Hurley’s leadership. However, they will need to focus on defense this season. Last year, they ranked 15th in the Big 12, allowing an average of 76.8 points per game.
Coaching Innovations
A noteworthy addition to the coaching staff is Bobby Hurley Jr., who has taken on the role of director of analytics and strategy. His involvement is expected to enhance game preparations and strategies for the team.
As the Sun Devils kick off their season, the outlook remains mixed. With a blend of new talent and the need for defensive improvement, they hope to make a significant impact and potentially return to the NCAA Tournament.
