ASU to get No. 1 votes in polls? Twitter goes mad after upset win vs. Kansas
Dec 10, 2017, 4:32 PM
(AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
If you still doubted them, it’s time to accept it: Bobby Hurley’s third edition of the Arizona State Sun Devils are good.
A 95-85 win over No. 2 Kansas marked the Sun Devils’ ninth win in nine games to start the season and second victory over a top-15 opponent.
Indeed, the Jayhawks have issues after falling a game prior to unranked Washington.
Nonetheless, ASU pulled away in the second half behind a similar performance as they had in blowing out Xavier on Nov. 24. The guards attacked and wore down the Kansas defense with dribble-penetration, a fast pace and hot shooting.
Add up what Hurley’s team has done so far this season, and it’s clear that the Sun Devils could even earn serious consideration as one of the best teams in the nation — if not the best team in the nation.
Here’s a look at what hoops heads and more were saying after ASU’s impressive win in Lawrence, Kan.
Arizona State. The new No. 1 team in the country. Seriously.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) December 10, 2017
Arizona State is 9-0 with four top-50 KenPom wins. Destroyed Xavier. Beat Kansas by double-digits at Allen Fieldhouse. You could reasonably rank the Sun Devils No. 1 right now based on their resume.
— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) December 10, 2017
Based on quality of wins… Arizona State should be the #1 team in the country this week
— Doug Gottlieb (@GottliebShow) December 10, 2017
Arizona State can really score. And, Tra Holder has ridiculous range. Impressive.
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) December 10, 2017
I’d still go Villanova over Arizona State for No. 1 in the country. Would probably also still have Duke and MSU over them too, to be honest. But ASU should be in the top-five tomorrow.
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) December 10, 2017
Bobby Hurley is the early favorite for National Coach of the Year. And it isn't close. Guy has made Arizona State a national player. Sun Devils are appointment TV.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) December 10, 2017
Arizona State had my interest the past couple weeks. They now have my attention. Bobby Hurley is one hell of a Bag Guy.
— Mark Titus (@clubtrillion) December 10, 2017
Arizona State has been to three NCAA tournaments in the past 22 years. There will be no sweating a bid in 2018. Kansas, meanwhile, will fall off the top line for the first time in more than a year. Wichita State moves up. https://t.co/ct0t1609Ne
— Joe Lunardi (@ESPNLunardi) December 10, 2017
Among the less-satisfying opinions shared on Twitter following the statement win: Some are already suggesting Hurley might soon be in the running for coaching jobs at some of the nation’s more premiere basketball schools.
No one knows when Coach K will retire at Duke, but hard to think of a better potential replacement than Bobby Hurley. Fearless. Would embrace following a legend.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) December 10, 2017
The good news Bobby Hurley has ASU kicking some serious ass. The bad news Bobby Hurley has ASU kicking some serious ass.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) December 10, 2017
Bobby Hurley… pic.twitter.com/A3LYrCbf9A
— Jordan Simone (@JordanSimone38) December 10, 2017
But for the time being, it’s clear Sun Devil nation is enjoying its success on the hardwood.
Former players like James Harden and even outgoing ASU football coach Todd Graham shouted out ASU after the win.
Let's goo!!!! #ASU #Sundevils big win fellas stay #LockedIn🔐 https://t.co/qU9lPPgObO
— James Harden (@JHarden13) December 10, 2017
Let’s Get It’s Boys ! @hollywood_XI @mellosworld_23 ! It’s Really Regular ! pic.twitter.com/hujlNt0sXX
— Demario Richard . (@CodeBlackRich4) December 10, 2017
Congrats @BobbyHurley11 on the huge win!!! Proud of those Sun Devils!!!
— Todd Graham (@CoachGrahamASU) December 10, 2017
How bout them Sun Devils 💯
— Torian Graham#Expect (@Torian_Graham) December 10, 2017
Way to take down the Jayhawks @SunDevilHoops! 👏🏼😈
— Charli Turner Thorne (@ASUCoachCharli) December 10, 2017
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