Arizona State basketball has high hopes for 2023 season

TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona State basketball held media availability on Thursday afternoon. Head coach Bobby Hurley, Kamari Lands (Louisville transfer), and Jose Perez (WVU transfer) all spoke about this upcoming hoops season.

Arizona State basketball holds media availability ahead of 2023 season

“I think we’re coming really well, especially coming off those two scrimmages, getting good two wins,” Lands said when being asked how he feels the team is coming together. “We’ve been practicing well, you know, Just trying to work on playing against a good Mississippi State team.”

Lands thinks the Sun Devils this year have a really “talented team.” On top of that, Lands says the Sun Devils have “a lot of people who can do a lot of good things,” which is what makes the Sun Devils “stand out” against other teams.

Jose Perez speaks for the first time as a Sun Devil

Jose Perez was next to be interviewed.

After transferring to ASU very late in the process, Perez mentions that he’s adjusting well to his new surroundings.

“Once I got here, Coach Hurley was just throwing things at me,” Perez said. “I could play multiple positions in one through four. I feel like once I learn everything, I feel like everything will be smooth.”

When asked how he thinks versatilely can benefit the Sun Devils, he then says that he thinks versatility “benefits anyone now” in college basketball.

Perez also says he thinks the Sun Devils are “really talented” this year. “We can be really good, we just need to adjust,” Perez continued. “College basketball is a roller coaster, so just gotta stay together when in those times.”

Head coach Bobby Hurley addresses the media

Like his players, head coach Bobby Hurley also is very much looking forward to the future of Sun Devil Basketball.

“Our fitness levels are really good, so now it’s just fine-tuning,” Hurley said. “It’s gonna be toeing the line of having a hard practice, but also making sure you’re conserving energy at this point, make sure guys have their legs so that they can perform at the best level they can.”

Coach Hurley then ended the afternoon by complementing the cohesiveness of his staff and players heading into the season. “When you have a more complete staff like we’re able to have and the resources to have more guys, it makes everyone’s life a little bit easier.”

Sun Devil basketball is looking forward to the season and getting ready to face off against Mississippi State on November 8.

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