Assistant coach Brian Merritt was dismissed from the ASU men’s basketball team, ESPN’s Jeff Goodman first reported.
The departure comes less than two months after Merritt was arrested on suspicion of DUI. He missed four games as a result.
Merritt was a driving force in the recruitment attempt at Thon Maker, a five-star Sudanese basketball player considering ASU amongst colleges including Indiana and Notre Dame. On Sunday, Maker declared intention to enter the draft, pending NBA approval.
Merritt began coaching at ASU in May 2015. He had prior experience working for teams including John Lucas Enterprises, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Louisville.
Thon Maker interview with @DraftExpress re: the declaring draft… “loved Hurley’s fire." https://t.co/NmQoIyZU3T pic.twitter.com/FtMabH4geK
— Zac Pacleb (@ZacPacleb) April 4, 2016
Representatives from Sun Devil Athletics confirmed Merritt's dismissal on Tuesday.
Assistant Sports Editor Matt Layman contributed reporting.
Related links:
ASU men's basketball managing expectations in time of transition
ASU men's basketball's Savon Goodman set to transfer
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