Bobby Hurley ready to ‘go to battle’ in what could be his last ASU home game
Arizona State men's basketball coach Bobby Hurley could very well be embarking on his final home game Tuesday night at Desert Financial Arena.
Watch: Kenny Dillingham, Reed Harris & Graham Rossini talk from Camp Tontozona | 18 mins
Arizona State men’s basketball coach Bobby Hurley could very well be embarking on his final home game Tuesday night at Desert Financial Arena.
And while he acknowledged that possibility speaking with Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta, the head coach remains focused on his present team amid a contract year.
“I’ve done this to try to help young men. I’ve had a great career and basketball has been so good to me and my family. It’s been special here,” Hurley said.
“But really all my thoughts are with the guys that I’m coaching. This will be the last time we go to battle this year at DFA. We’re one game over .500 and there’s still some things to play for. I’m just excited to go to war with my guys tonight. Just overall, (the thought of potentially coaching one last ASU home game) hasn’t really hit home and hasn’t resonated.”
Bobby Hurley is ready to go into battle in what could be his last home game as ASU's head coach.
He talked about his feeling around tonight's game while on with @Bickley_Marotta. pic.twitter.com/r13vHCEHjC
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) March 3, 2026
At 15-14 with No. 14 Kansas and No. 6 Iowa State as their last two regular-season opponents, the Sun Devils would need Big 12 Tournament championship to earn an NCAA Tournament bid this year.
And with his current contract up at the end of the year, a head-coaching change seems likely.
Many expect this to be Hurley’s final season at ASU, though athletic director Graham Rossini told Bickley & Marotta last month he wanted to see how the rest of the season unfolded when asked about Hurley’s future.
“I’m really proud of how these guys have played hard all season long. And a lot of people wanted to write them off after last season,” he said. “They were begging for us to make a change after last season.
“We didn’t want to do it. He’s left a tremendous mark on this program, and so we’re not ready to make a decision either way. We want to see how the season plays out.”
Currently in his 11th season as head coach, Hurley has posted a 183-165 (.526) record and four winning seasons. He sits second for the most wins in program history behind only Ned Wulk (405-257).
He’s coached three ASU teams to NCAA Tournament bids, though has never reached the second round.
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Comments
2 Comments
I’m actually torn here. Bobby has had his moments and his teams at times have thrilled us. But he also hasn’t really had the support he has needed to succeed at the level we all want. This is not all his fault.
I’ve spent time reflecting on this and honestly think he deserves another 3 years, a reset so to speak, with ASU going all in on the program (facilities, etc).
Unless ASU goes all in it won’t matter who our coach is. Bobby has been loyal and I think it’s time ASU steps up and does their part too.
Bobby thanks for your time in Tempe, but it's time to move on with a new coach and a new philosophy. Mediocrity is unacceptable. Best of luck to you and your family.