Previewing Arizona State's Crucial Conference Game Against West Virginia

In today's edition of the Sun Devils Insider Podcast, we take a look at what could be a must-win game against West Virginia.

Jan 14, 2026; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) attempts to steal the ball from Arizona State Sun Devils guard Moe Odum (5) during the second half of the game at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

TEMPE -- In today's episode of the Arizona State Sun Devils Insider Podcast, we take a look at a key Big 12 battle between the Sun Devils and West Virginia Mountaineers.

To listen to today's podcast, view below.

Below is a partial transcript from head coach Bobby Hurley's talk with media following a January 13 practice.

On Arizona Matchup

Jan 14, 2026; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Noah Meeusen (15) makes a three pointer over Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) during the second half of the game at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

“Yeah, great, really, outstanding basketball team, pretty much complete team and dominant inside the paint, around the basket, things that we did at BYU don't translate well, you know, in terms of getting into a track meet with Arizona. So we got to do a good job of managing the game and being ready for their force, you know, on the interior.”

On Mentally Preparing for Game

“I think our state of mind is important. You know, if the last one wouldn't have gone our way, I'd be really concerned, more than I already am. And anytime you're playing a team as good as Arizona, you're gonna have plenty to be concerned about the preparation. But the guys, I think the mindset is better, just from, you know, us getting a win at home the other day. So that was important.”

On Arizona’s Koa Peat

Jan 14, 2026; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) looks to pass the ball during the first half of the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

“Yeah, he's a special talent. Really. He's been a winner at every stage. He's done it high school level and USA basketball, and he's a big part of what they do now. And doesn't play like a freshman, doesn't look like a freshman.”

“I've shared with them what the game means to me. I'm not saying that it's like I don't prepare for every game and my intensity isn't amped up, but just there's a little bit more meaning in this game. Because you know what it means to the fan bases in the state.”

On Massamba Diop’s Potential to Impact Game

“Yeah, Massamba is, you know, he's going to be tested in the most severe way, you know, in this game. And you know, his play has been encouraging. I mean, he's always shown this huge upside and he's where he's taken steps and has shown growth, is the defensive end for us, which we need desperately.

His length and activity in the paint and Arizona is as good as anybody in the country at scoring in the lane, whether it's throwing into their big guys getting an offensive rebound, or their guards attacking the basket. So you know his presence is going to be crucial in our ability to hang in with Arizona in the paint.”

Jan 14, 2026; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka makes a lay up over Arizona State Sun Devils center Massamba Diop (35) during the first half of the game at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Read more on why the Arizona State men's basketball team will exceed expectations in the 2025-26 season here, and on why the bright future of the football program isn’t dimmed by the loss to Arizona here.

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