ASU Men’s Basketball: Sun Devils hold Maroon and Gold Madness in Tempe

(Photo: Scotty Bara/WCSN)

 

Arizona State’s Maroon and Gold took place Friday, and it was the first time fans saw head coach Bobby Hurley step onto the floor at Wells Fargo Arena. That being said, Hurley didn’t do a whole lot of coaching, and it was intentional.

“I’ve always had these type of events just be more for the players to enjoy it,” Hurley said. “Dunk contest, three point (contest), and the scrimmage. All I’m hoping is no one gets hurt.”

And the coach got his wish as ASU came out with a clean bill of health. 

The three-point shootout was actually won by Katie Hempen of the women’s team, who made a stellar 18 shots made in the final round against sophomore guard Kodi Justice. Following the three-point contest was the dunk competition, with an appearance from Sun Devil great Eddie House as a judge.

That contest was won by junior guard Torian Graham, and it wasn’t really that close.

Looking forward to the season, Hurley loved what he has seen from his team thus far, and he is excited with what he has seen from two players in particular.

“It seems like whatever team I put (senior center) Eric Jacobsen on, that team does pretty well,” Hurley said. “He’s been having a major impact on what we do, getting a lot of touches on offense and good things are happening, so I’m excited with what I’m seeing from him. (Freshman pointguard) Tra Holder is really doing well first week, hitting his shot more consistent.”

Holder made two pull-up threes in the scrimmage, which was something that he did not display very much last season as a pass-first point guard.

Overall, Hurley is pleased with where his team is at right now. He believes the conditioning is where it needs to be, and everyone has bought into the system.

“I think the guys are starting to remember more and get more comfortable with it, we’ll just keep adding as we go,” Hurley said. “I just like a lot of the guys how they look out there how they’re meshing together. We’re just trying to correct a lot of habits to, when you’re in the offseason and you’re playing pickup basketball you develop a lot of bad habits and we’re focusing on those things too.”

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