Bobby Hurley is an American basketball coach and former professional player, currently serving as the head coach of the Arizona State Sun Devils men’s basketball team. Born on June 28, 1971, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Hurley had a distinguished playing career before transitioning into coaching.
Playing Career
Hurley attended St. Anthony High School in Jersey City, where he played under his father, renowned coach Bob Hurley Sr. He led the team to four consecutive Parochial B state titles, achieving a remarkable 115–5 record during his high school tenure.
At Duke University (1989–1993), Hurley was the starting point guard under coach Mike Krzyzewski. He played a pivotal role in securing back-to-back NCAA championships in 1991 and 1992. Hurley remains the NCAA’s all-time leader in career assists, totaling 1,076, and his jersey number 11 was retired by Duke in recognition of his contributions.
Hurley was selected seventh overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 1993 NBA Draft. However, his professional career was marred by a severe car accident during his rookie season, which significantly impacted his playing trajectory. Despite returning to the court, he retired from professional play in 1999.
Coaching Career
Transitioning into coaching, Hurley began as an assistant at Wagner College (2010–2012) and later at the University of Rhode Island (2012–2013). He secured his first head coaching position at the University at Buffalo (2013–2015), leading the team to an NCAA tournament appearance. In 2015, Hurley became the head coach at Arizona State University, where he continues to lead the Sun Devils.
Recent Developments
In February 2025, Hurley was involved in a post-game incident where he criticized the behavior of Arizona players following a game against Arizona State. Citing “constant chatter” and a lack of class from the opposing team, Hurley directed his players to bypass the traditional post-game handshakes to prevent potential altercations.
Additionally, Hurley has shared insights into his experiences with Coach Krzyzewski and his basketball journey. In a 2020 interview, he recounted stories about his recruitment to Duke and his relationship with Coach K, providing a deeper understanding of his basketball philosophy and personal growth.
Hurley’s legacy in basketball is further enriched by his family’s deep ties to the sport. His father, Bob Hurley Sr., is a Hall of Fame high school coach, and his brother, Dan Hurley, is the head coach of the UConn men’s basketball team.