"It's a good mixture of experienced guys": Arizona State's Bobby Hurley hypes game-changing talent in revamped roster
As the new college basketball season approaches, Arizona State basketball coach Bobby Hurley is eager to bounce back from a disappointing campaign. The Sun Devils finished with a 14-18 overall record and an 8-12 mark in the Pac-12 conference as they failed to make the NCAA tournament last season.
For the upcoming season, Arizona State made a move to the Big 12 after more than four decades competing in Pac-12. Coach Hurley is optimistic about the new opportunity, as the Big 12 is widely regarded as one of the premier conferences in the nation.
To test themselves against some of the best schools, Bobby Hurley added eight new players to the roster that he sees as nicely balanced.
"I think it's a good mixture of experienced guys, I think we're pretty skilled. Our shooting should be vastly improved over last year," Hurley said per the Arizona Republic.
"Overall our ability to put the ball in the basket more competitive around the basket with Jayden Quaintance and Shawn Phillips and Basheer Jihad. Those three guys have been standouts in a lot of different areas, really the last few weeks, but more specifically this week."
With the departure of ten players from the previous season — including four starters: Frankie Collins, Alonzo Gaffney, Jamiya Neal and Jose Perez — Hurley had his work cut out for him in rebuilding this year's roster.
He added five newcomers from the transfer portal, including seniors Alston Mason, BJ Freeman, and Basheer Jihad, who will bring that much-needed experience.
Hurley also landed three recruits from the 2024 class including five-star forward Jayden Quaintance. Hurley hyped up Quaintance's potential, which he called "scary" due to his point guard-like skills in a 6-9 center's body.
Bobby Hurley opens up about stacking big teams to Arizona State's nonconference schedule
The Sun Devils' nonconference schedule has some mouth-watering features. Bobby Hurley packed his nonconference schedule with strong teams like Gonzaga, San Diego, and Florida. Plus, there is an exhibition game against his alma mater Duke.
Speaking with the media last week, the coach discussed the intent behind it.
"I like the nonconference schedule, lot of neutral site games in front of us, certainly the game against Duke is an exciting opportunity to right away compete against one of the best teams in the country early and get tested," Hurley said.
"There are a lot of good nonconference games where we're trying to extend ourselves. The Gonzaga game, that's a big one."
Arizona State will play the exhibition game against the Blue Devils at the Cameron Indoor Stadium on Oct. 27. Their nonconference slate kick stats from Nov. 5 against Idaho State.
Bobby Hurley's men will travel to Gonzaga on Nov. 10 and they will play either USC or Saint Mary's at the end of November in the Acrisure Classic.