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ASU Basketball Program in Crisis Amid Sanctions and Coaching Departures

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 20:28 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Arizona, Connecticut, UNITED STATES

Tempe, AZ - February 11, 2026 - Arizona State University's men's basketball program is navigating a period of intense instability, casting a significant shadow over the future of head coach Bobby Hurley. Once a program on the rise, the Sun Devils are grappling with the lingering effects of NCAA sanctions, a concerning exodus of assistant coaches, and growing speculation that Hurley may be on the verge of stepping down.

The roots of the current crisis extend back to 2020 when ASU self-reported recruiting violations to the NCAA. The consequences, delivered in March 2023, were severe: a three-year probation period, a postseason ban for the 2023-24 season, and a reduction in available scholarships. These penalties have demonstrably impacted the program's performance and trajectory.

Since the sanctions were imposed, Arizona State's on-court results have steadily declined. The 2018-19 season, which saw the Sun Devils achieve 24 wins, now feels like a distant memory. The 2023-24 season ended with a disappointing 9-win record, highlighting the program's struggles to compete despite Hurley's efforts. While some initial downturn was expected due to the postseason ban, the consistent underperformance has fueled concerns about the program's overall direction.

The recent wave of departures from Hurley's coaching staff has only exacerbated the situation. Over the past several months, a succession of assistant coaches have sought opportunities elsewhere. DeWayne Murray departed for San Diego State in April 2023, followed by Nate Spina to Kansas State in May 2023, and Tarek Madni to UTEP in June 2023. The most recent loss, Austin Hanson's move to Gonzaga in October 2023, is particularly concerning, as it signifies a potential lack of confidence in the program's long-term prospects among key personnel. The consistent turnover makes building team cohesion and maintaining a stable recruiting pipeline extremely difficult.

Hurley's Position Under Scrutiny

Reports have surfaced suggesting that Hurley is actively considering resigning from his position. ESPN's Pete Thamel first broke the story, indicating that Hurley has been contacted by other universities and is "open to listening" to potential offers. This openness signals a potential waning commitment to Arizona State, despite being under contract.

Hurley signed a contract extension in 2022 that is set to run through the 2026-27 season. This agreement guarantees him a salary of $3.2 million for the 2023-24 season, increasing to $3.4 million in 2024-25, and further to $3.6 million in 2025-26. However, financial security doesn't always equate to job satisfaction, and the compounding pressures of the NCAA sanctions and coaching staff departures appear to be weighing heavily on Hurley.

Looking Ahead: A Program at a Crossroads

The next few months are critical for Arizona State basketball. If Hurley does decide to leave, the university will be faced with the challenging task of finding a replacement who can navigate the program through its current difficulties. A comprehensive rebuild will be necessary, focusing on restoring the program's recruiting capabilities, retaining talented players, and rebuilding its reputation.

Even if Hurley remains, the program faces an uphill battle. The scholarship reductions imposed by the NCAA will continue to hinder the team's ability to attract top talent. The university must demonstrate a strong commitment to providing Hurley with the resources he needs to succeed, including a revamped recruiting budget and a supportive administrative environment.

The future isn't entirely bleak. Arizona State has a passionate fan base and operates in a state rich with high school basketball talent. However, overcoming the current challenges will require a unified effort from the university administration, the coaching staff (whichever configuration it takes), and the players. The Sun Devils' ability to effectively address these issues will determine whether they can return to prominence in the Pac-12, and beyond. The upcoming recruiting cycles will be particularly important, as the program seeks to replenish its roster and rebuild for a future beyond the current sanctions.