Hurley’s ASU revival breaks bubble again
Other than the name of its arena, not much changed with Arizona State men’s basketball over the last 38 years.
When it came to successful seasons, ASU was almost always oneand-done. Coaches came and left, but never for a better job.
There was a great player here, a good one there, but there were never enough of them at the same time.
The University Activity Center became Wells Fargo Arena, and the one thing they had in common was a new coat of paint once in a while and plenty of empty seats.
Bobby Hurley has changed that in his four seasons as head coach. On Sunday, the Sun Devils were announced as part of the NCAA Tournament field for the second consecutive year.
It’s the first time that’s happened since Ned Wulk’s Sun Devils made it in 1979-80 and 80-81.
Yes, critics can pick apart the Sun Devils’ accomplishment. For the second consecutive year, ASU is one of the last four teams in.
For the second consecutive year, the Sun Devils are involved in a play-in game in Dayton, Ohio. This time, it’s against St. John’s, with the winner becoming the 11th seed in the West and playing Buffalo Friday in Tulsa.
Criticizing the Sun Devils for being a play-in team reminds me of the old joke about what you call the student who finished near the bottom at medical school.
It’s yet another sign of the resuscitation job Dr. Hurley has ASU.
No, the Sun Devils haven’t won a Pac-12 title yet. No, they haven’t won a game in the NCAA Tournament. And, yes, the current team could be maddeningly inconsistent, especially through the first half of the conference season.
Yet, there is no question the program is in the best shape it’s been since Wulk was in his prime. If Hurley stays – and there’s no current reason to think he won’t – there will soon be a day when the Sun Devils are off the bubble on selection Sunday.
Maybe then they can throw a large watch party, instead of a private gathering at Hurley’s house, as has been the case the last two seasons.
It was a nerve-wracking Sunday afternoon for Sun Devil fans, because their selection wasn’t announced until late in the broadcast.
The relief was short-lived. Now, they can worry about point guard Remy Martin’s sore groin muscle, which limited him in the Pac-12 semi-final loss to Oregon. Or about St. John’s, which was the last team in but beat Marquette twice this season. Or about ASU’s ability to keep Hurley long term.
I suggest they take a day or two to enjoy a moment 38 years in the making.