Bobby Hurley hopeful for team chemistry with Arizona State men's basketball transfers
Jenna Ortiz
Arizona State men’s basketball showed its potential too little, too late last season.
With how the offseason has gone for ASU, the major issues blocking the team from accomplishing more have been dealt with. Team chemistry was elusive, with 10 newcomers and stoppages in play resulting from COVID-19, along with some key injuries.
The Sun Devils didn’t start gelling until late in the season, which made for a fantastic run in which they won seven of the final eight regular-season games, but ultimately was cut short with a one-point loss to Stanford in the first round of the Pac-12 tournament.
After the abrupt end to the season, ASU lost two players to the transfer portal, with Jalen Graham going to Arkansas and Jay Heath to Georgetown. ASU will still have to replace both starters, but the roster turnover isn’t as massive as last season.
“We wish the best to the guys that have decided to move on in their new opportunities," head coach Bobby Hurley said on Tuesday. "I think we were able to do some good work there and I like what the team looks like."
Hurley added six new players to the team, including Nevada transfer Warren Washington, brothers Desmond and Devan Cambridge, Michigan guard Frankie Collins, along with high school recruits Duke Brennan and Austin Nunez.
“We’ve doubled the retention rate, which is nice and I like to see that. I think the way we finished the season, it’s given them confidence and belief in winning and what we can do when we get the right guys here. So that’s exciting to have that,” Hurley said.
More:ASU basketball gets commitment from Michigan transfer Frankie Collins
The balance of six new players with six returners should fare better compared to last season’s team, which was filled with many players who hadn’t played together before. Hurley showed his intent when bringing Washington on board, along with the Cambridge brothers, as Desmond was Washington’s teammate and roommate at Nevada.
“It’s not about the rankings and who is rated the highest prospect, it’s really about who is the best fit. I think with each guy, there is a very specific need and I think we addressed those things the way we wanted to,” Hurley said.
Devan, a 6-foot-6 guard from Auburn, is expected to be on the wing and is “one of the best athletes on the court any time he plays,” Hurley said. Devan started in 14 games with Auburn and his season high was 14 points.
Losing Graham, along with Kimani Lawrence, left a need in interior scoring, but Washington became the answer when he chose ASU. The 7-foot Washington has the size needed at the position, but can also score in the paint.
Collins’ commitment to ASU was a fast decision on both ends as Collins had former ties to the area, having played his junior season at Chandler Compass Prep. Collins made a quick visit to ASU and instantly wanted to commit.
“I think he liked the idea of getting back to the West in his region. Certainly, he saw the success that guards have had here, and I think that played into his thought process as well,” Hurley said.
The point guard position will continue to show depth even after Heath’s departure with starter D.J. Horne remaining on the team. Hurley sees Horne playing at both point and shooting guard with Collins. Collins adds in a two-way game, but Hurley will work with him develop more on shooting and confidence to have another scoring weapon.
With the new team shaping up, Hurley is even more excited about the possibilities with Marcus Bagley officially returning next season. Bagley is currently working to be at full strength after only playing in three games before aggravating a knee injury early in ASU’s game against North Florida on Nov. 15.
Bagley is currently moving well and even participated in some live action during the spring sessions, but was still limited for his safety. Bagley isn’t at the point where he’s ready to play, according to Hurley, but he’s progressing where he needs to be.
“I have no doubt where his mindset is at, that he’s on a mission to get himself healthy and have a great season,” Hurley said.
Keeping Bagley for now his third season is unprecedented considering Bagley was one of the top 30 recruits in the nation and was expected to follow his older brother Marvin and declare for the NBA draft after one season. However, Bagley has missed more games in his first two seasons than he’s played, with injuries limiting him to only 15 career games.
Bagley started in 11 games in his first season and averaged 10.8 points and a team-high 6.2 rebounds. He added back-to-back double-doubles against USC and UCLA that season.
As he’s been sidelined, he’s helped Hurley recruit several players onto the team.
“He’s closed the deal a few times. He might have a future as a recruiter and a head coach someday if he chooses to go that direction,” Hurley said. “He’s real laid back, he’s not a pressing guy. A good conversation makes the guys feel comfortable and at home. His presence, every time he’s at dinner, we’re getting commitments.”
Hurley will have time before his team gets together in June for the summer program, but he’s already seeing excitement from the meetings he’s had with his players. With the past few years being disrupted by the pandemic, Hurley is hoping to move past that with a more connected team.
“We’re bringing in a hungry group. I’ve had two years of COVID where it has not lived up to the standards I set for myself as a coach. I have a chip on my shoulder and I know certainly Marcus Bagley does,” Hurley said.
Reach the reporter at jenna.ortiz@arizonarepublic.com or 602-647-4122. Follow her on Twitter @jennarortiz.