Bobby Hurley, the elder brother of UConn head coach Dan Hurley, has established his basketball legacy. Bobby’s tenure as head coach of the Arizona State University (ASU) Sun Devils has been packed with both remarkable accomplishments and significant challenges.
Bobby Hurley: The Basketball Legacy of Dan Hurley’s Brother
Bobby’s basketball career started with dignity at Duke University, where he played a key role in winning two NCAA championships in the early 1990s. Bobby transitioned from a great playing career to coaching, finally becoming the head coach at Arizona State University in 2015.
Over the last decade, he has been the program’s second-most winning coach, guiding the Sun Devils to repeated NCAA tournament berths.
The 2024-25 season brought tremendous challenges for Bobby and the Sun Devils. Despite the optimism raised by a strong recruiting class, the squad struggled owing to injuries and other internal concerns.
Notably, leading scorer BJ Freeman was fired from the squad in February, limiting the team’s performance.
Such challenges culminated in a string of defeats, including a narrow 71-70 loss to Kansas State, which raised questions over Bobby’s coaching career.
Tensions rose following a contentious game against in-state rivals, the Arizona Wildcats. The match was wrecked by ejections and unsportsmanlike action.
Bobby led his side off the court without interacting in the customary handshake, a decision he later justified as a precaution to prevent later incidents.
This behavior, coupled with his pointy comments regarding Arizona’s star player, Caleb Love, raised debates about ethics and leadership.
Also Read: What Is Bobby Hurley’s Net Worth? Breaking Down His Career Earnings
Despite the controversial season and shouts from some supporters for a coaching change, ASU opted to keep Bobby for the 11th season. With one year remaining on his contract and no current extension, the following season will be essential to his future with the Sun Devils.
Bobby’s journey exemplifies determination despite hardship. As he prepares for the next chapter with ASU, the basketball community will be watching closely to see how he handles the challenges that lie ahead, aiming to restore the Sun Devils to their accustomed prominence.
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