Dissecting Bobby Hurley's ASU Tenure, Final Games of Season

TEMPE -- In today's episode of the Arizona State Sun Devils Insider Podcast, we take a look at the potential final games of the tenure of basketball head coach Bobby Hurley, including discussing the final home game of the season.

To listen to today's podcast, view below.

Below is a partial transcript from Hurley following a major win over Oklahoma State on February 10, with several major topics being discussed during the press conference.

On Setting Tone Early in Games

efwew — Feb 21, 2026; Waco, Texas, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley reacts on the sideline during the second half against the Baylor Bears at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images

“I know we set the tone early in the game with establishing our ability to get some rebounds. We missed shots, but we're able to get second chance opportunities. It's probably the biggest differential we've had in second chance points all season. So great job for the guys. Stuff you watch the film Colorado game, and talked a lot about in practice, the guys really internalized focusing on rebounding the ball.”

On Santiago Trouet’s Performance

32r33r3r — Jan 31, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils forward Santiago Trouet (1) against the Arizona Wildcats at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“Yeah, I mean, he just, I think he takes that personal. That's probably the skill that he possesses that as a separator for him when he is really focused on rebounding, and the ankle felt better, and he looked better in practice yesterday, too.”

On Defense Being Disruptive

knlnk — Feb 28, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Utah Utes guard Terrence Brown (2) drives to the basket against Arizona State Sun Devils center Massamba Diop (35) in the first half at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“Yeah, you know, turning them 17 times was a big, big for us, because we didn't shoot a crate again like this is the second time in three games that, you know, we went five for 20, I think, against Utah, and five for 21 tonight from three and still were able to win. So that's good, because usually we would need around 10 made threes in a game to win against an opponent like this.”

On Satisfaction of Team Responding to Adversity

“Yes, I never really that concerned if we get our feet under us in a game, that our guys aren't going to be resilient and fight back from something. I expected them to make a run, even when I think we're 12 or 13 in the first half, I forget exactly what the number was, but we had a couple of turnovers. And, you know, they hit some threes and scored in transition. A very good transition team. If you turn the ball over, that's where they could really hurt you. So, but we, you know, they cut it to one, or might have taken the lead in the first half, and we had, we finished the half very well.”

ml;lm — Feb 28, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Anthony Johnson (2) celebrates with guard Maurice Odum (5) against the Utah Utes in the second half at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Read more on the bold strategy that head coach Bobby Hurley employed with comments on 1/21 here, and on why Arizona State may have saved the season with the win over Cincinnati on Saturday here..

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