ASU’s Ray Anderson releases statement regarding Herb Sendek dismissal

Arizona State University vice president for athletics Ray Anderson released the following statement about the future of the men’s basketball program:

I have informed Herb Sendek that he will not be retained as the head men’s basketball coach at Arizona State University. This has not been an easy decision for me. Herb has been a tremendous asset to this university and a pillar of our community, and his tenure over the past nine years has helped shift the direction of this program.

We have a four-prong approach when it comes to evaluating all of our head coaches: integrity, academics, performance, and fan affinity advancement. Herb has been a true leader in the first two categories and his dedication to ensuring our student-athletes become successful young men has been unrivaled.

However, our athletics department, university and community expect our men’s basketball program to compete consistently for Pac-12 titles, make regular trips to the NCAA Tournament, keep the best in-state talent, and energize our fans and donors. Unfortunately, we have fallen short of these expectations.

We are committed to turning Sun Devil men’s basketball into an elite program and creating an unmatched atmosphere within Wells Fargo Arena.

Our national search for a new head coach begins immediately, but we will take our time and be deliberate in securing a leader that is the best fit for the program and our university. The change will not impact Sun Devil Athletics’ operating budget as a result of paying Herb’s contract. A budget-neutral solution has been developed with assistance of donor contributions.

This search will begin a new era in our men’s basketball program that we expect will have a very bright future.

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