When the Big 12 preseason coaches poll ranked ASU men's basketball last in the conference, the message was clear: expectations were minimal.
But for head coach Bobby Hurley, this season isn't about outside opinions; it's about rewriting the narrative with a new perspective and a new roster.
With only two returning players and a 4-16 conference record last season, the 2025-26 season marks a fresh start for the Sun Devils.
"We got some mid-major guys from the portal that I think have a chip on their shoulder or are leveling up," Hurley said at Big 12 Media Day, per the Big 12 Conference. "We're excited about the group overall."
This season's team is almost unrecognizable from last season's. With 14 new players, Hurley has truly started from scratch. Through his pick of transfers and freshman recruits, he is hoping to reshape the program.
Among these additions are several transfers hoping to make an immediate impact.
Moe Odum, a senior guard, most recently played at Pepperdine, where he averaged 13.1 points and 7.5 assists, the fourth-highest assist rate in the country.
Sophomore guard Noah Meeusen previously played overseas in the BNXT League, averaging 6.7 points, 2.9 assists and 2.8 rebounds.
Meeusen is just one of the many international players in Hurley's rebuild, as the coach was looking for a change.
"We went a little bit of a different direction with the roster," Hurley said, per the Big 12 Conference. "We went pretty heavy with international players, Noah being one of those guys, and tried to rebuild the frontcourt with a couple more veteran, seasoned players from overseas."
The team's returning duo, sophomore guards Trevor Best and Quentin McCoy, provides a bit of familiarity among this team of new faces. For Best, who showed potential last season with performances like his 18 points against ranked BYU, this year could be an opportunity to prove himself and earn a key spot in Hurley's rotation.
If there's one constant among all the changes, it's the level of competition in the Big 12.
The Big 12 is home to several ranked and competitive teams that ASU struggled to keep up with last season. This will make every game a measuring stick since the Sun Devils will be going into the season as underdogs in the majority of their conference games.
Consistent roster depth, a shortcoming of last season due to injuries, will be key as ASU has a tough conference schedule ahead. This lineup includes powerhouse programs like No. 2 Houston, No. 10 Texas Tech and No. 13 UA, all of whom made it to at least the Sweet 16 of last year's NCAA Tournament.
The Sun Devils have already played two exhibition games: losing 72-68 to UC Irvine and 95-88 to Texas A&M, both potential tournament teams.
The nonconference schedule will begin with four home games: Southern Utah on Nov. 4, Utah Tech on Nov. 9, No. 21 Gonzaga on Nov. 14 and Georgia State on Nov. 17.
ASU will then travel to Honolulu to play Hawaii on Nov. 20 before participating in the Maui Invitational, set for Nov. 24-26. Coming back to Arizona, the Sun Devils will take on Oklahoma in the Jerry Colangelo Classic. The Sun Devils will wrap up nonconference play against former Pac-12 foes No. 12 UCLA and Oregon State.
Conference play begins Jan. 3 at home against Colorado, the first of 18 scheduled Big 12 games.
The first rivalry meeting of the season comes early, with game four sending ASU to Tucson to play the Wildcats on Jan. 14. There are only four games between the two teams' next matchup on Jan. 31 in Tempe.
The Sun Devils will play their final home game against No. 19 Kansas on March 3 and will finish the regular season with an away game against No. 16 Iowa State on March 7.
ASU will then travel to Kansas City, Mo. for the Big 12 Tournament, set for March 10-14.
With low external expectations and high internal motivation, this season could be the reset the Sun Devils might have needed. If ASU can find its team identity and seek the positive through any matchup, there is a chance for a team turnaround and a stronger future for the program.
Edited by Jack McCarthy, Henry Smardo and Pippa Fung.
Reach the reporter at mssuarez@asu.edu and follow @melinasszmedia on X.
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Melina Suarez is a reporter at the sports department, telling the stories of ASU sports and related topics at The State Press. She is in her 1st semester with the State Press.
