Arizona State Coach Voices Concerns Following Loss
The intense Arizona sun seems to have little influence inside Desert Financial Arena. After a disappointing 75-63 defeat to West Virginia, Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley expressed some concerning thoughts, hinting that changes might be on the horizon.
“I find it tough to see much light at the end of the tunnel,” Hurley commented, emphasizing his frustration.
Yet, he noted his affection for the team, calling them “so different” compared to past squads, although he admitted it had been a challenging season at times.
Feeling the strain, he stated, “I’m a failure. I can’t contribute to the team,” an honest reflection that might be rare among coaches.
With 11 seasons under his belt, some are beginning to question whether it’s time for a shift. Hurley’s remarks about connecting with players seem to suggest a growing disconnect, which is often a sign of a coach nearing the end of their tenure.
Hurley pointed out a misstep in strategy during the game, where he wanted his players to foul at the end of the first half but instead allowed a three-pointer, which tightened the score to 37-35 at halftime.
Ultimately, West Virginia outscored Arizona State 40-26 in the second half.
“There’s no obligation to listen,” he said. “We lack discipline in terms of listening to some of the things that I’m trying to convey. My voice doesn’t seem to resonate with this group.” His frustration with the team’s discipline was palpable, especially with their home record dropping to 5-4.
The Sun Devils have struggled at home recently, and this year is no exception—they are currently 1-2 at home and winless on the road in Big 12 play.
Reflecting on past seasons, Hurley lamented, “I haven’t played well in years… even before the pandemic. We had good energy in this place then, but now it feels sterile. Winning here feels almost impossible.” He concluded with a strong sentiment about the team’s struggles, saying, “We’ve been terrible at home for years. It’s just not a home-court advantage anymore.”
