ASU to get No. 1 votes in polls? Twitter goes mad after upset win vs. Kansas

Dec 10, 2017, 4:32 PM

Arizona State guards Remy Martin (1) and Shannon Evans II (11) celebrate after a basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kansas in Lawrence, Kan., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

(AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

BY KEVIN ZIMMERMAN

ArizonaSports.com lead editor

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