Bobby Hurley downplays future after Arizona State upsets Kansas - ESPN
ESPN
March 4, 2026
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Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley downplayed any speculation about his future after leading his team to an impressive upset victory over No. 14 Kansas in what could have been his final home game. Despite the chaos on the court following the win, Hurley maintained a calm demeanor, focusing on his players' resilience and the defensive effort that led to the 70-60 triumph. He emphasized that the team's performance was a reflection of their character rather than a personal achievement, avoiding any narrative about it being his last game.
Hurley, known for his fiery yet composed coaching style, has been through a challenging season with Arizona State, which entered the final stretch of his contract needing an NCAA tournament berth to secure his job. The Sun Devils, currently at 16-14 overall and 7-10 in the Big 12, have struggled this year but showed flashes of their potential, including the upset over Kansas. Moe Odum's standout performance with 23 points highlighted the team's fighting spirit, as Hurley praised his players for bouncing back after a rough stretch of games.
The game against Kansas was a throwback to previous upsets in 2017 and 2018, where Hurley's teams also defeated top-ranked Jayhawks. This time, Arizona State dominated with strong defense, building a 20-point lead before Kansas mounted a late comeback. However, the Sun Devils held firm, securing a hard-fought win that left Hurley reflecting on the importance of perseverance in sports.
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Originally published on ESPN on 3/4/2026