Bobby Hurley expects a lot more scoring from ASU this season
Dec 3, 2019, 1:53 PM
(AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley is disappointed in his team’s offensive start to the season.
On Monday’s episode of Doug & Wolf on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station, Hurley talked about his vision for ASU this season and that he expected a lot more scoring.
Through six games, the Sun Devils are scoring 74.2 points per game. That is the 139th most out of 350 Division 1 teams.
That average is also being raised by two 90-plus point performances against Central Connecticut State and Ryder.
ASU does not turn the ball over very often, only 11.4 times per game. But its shooting percentage is 42.1% and it drops to 32.3% from three.
“I had a vision of us scoring a lot more points and being a better shooting team,” Hurley said. “That’s what I saw the whole summer and it’s not translating. Our defense has been really good but we need to make shots and get guys going.”
Point guard Remy Martin has been terrific on offense with 21.7 points per game on 50.5% shooting. But around him there has been no consistency thus far.
Shooting guard Rob Edwards has been up-and-down. Forwards Taeshon Cherry and Kimani Lawrence have not been able to get anything going and guard Alonzo Verge Jr. has only played in three games.
“Some of it is the missed time,” Hurley said. “Cherry missed time and I think he is a guy who can really get it going. Rob Edwards has struggled so he needs to get back on track. Alonzo Verge has missed three games now and I had really high hopes for him as a scorer on the perimeter.”
ASU has played great defense so far this season, but the offense has been lackluster besides Martin. Perhaps with players getting healthier and into a rhythm, the shooting will improve.
This is a team designed for spacing and perimeter scoring. There is a plethora of players who can shoot, drive and make plays for teammates to get open looks. It just has not come into fruition yet, but it’s early.