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Bobby Hurley gives brutal assessment of where Arizona State stands as a program: 'It's hard to see a lot of light'

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby: Grant Grubbs01/22/26grant_grubbs_

Arizona State has had one winning season since the 2020-21 campaign. After the Sun Devils fell to West Virginia on Wednesday, ASU head coach Bobby Hurley didn’t mince words about the program’s recent failures.

“We have not played well here in years,” Hurley said. “Like, since before COVID. We had this place cooking before COVID. Now it’s a sterile environment. We don’t win here. We don’t give our fans any reason to show up with enthusiasm to think that we’re going to win a basketball game.

“We have been dreadful at home for years. … This has been going on for a while. It’s not a home-court advantage. We can’t win here. Bottom line.”

With its 12-point loss to West Virginia on Wednesday, Arizona State fell to 1-4 at home this season against Power Four opponents. Arizona State is now 10-9 overall and 1-5 in conference play.

The loss on Wednesday was only another painful reminder for Arizona State fans of their reality. The Sun Devils allowed West Virginia to shoot 51% from the field and 46% from beyond the arc.

Moreover, Arizona State shot 10-18 (56%) from the charity stripe, leaving eight free points on the court. As Hurley mentioned, things weren’t always so bleak for Arizona State.

Prior to the 2020-21 season, the program posted three consecutive winning campaigns. The Sun Devils reached the NCAA Tournament in two of those three seasons. Arizona State would have to be nothing short of incredible the rest of this season to earn a ticket to the Big Dance.

Hurley doesn’t blame the fans. The 54-year-old head coach understands it’s difficult to get excited when the team isn’t winning. Unfortunately for fans, Hurley also doesn’t foresee a way to turn things around in the immediate future.

“The light (at the end of) the tunnel, it’s hard to see a lot of light,” Hurley said. “I love the group, though. This group is far different than some other teams that I’ve had that, at times, might have made me sick to my stomach.

“This group of people are very willing to try and give what they have, so I’m not overly disappointed in that regard. It’s just more of the hope.”

Bobby Hurley and Co. will have an opportunity to pick up a win at home on Saturday when they square off against Cincinnati at 7 p.m. PT. The game will air live on CBSSN.