Ray Anderson confident that ‘community is ready to rally’ around ASU basketball program

As Arizona State continues its search for a new basketball coach, the qualities athletic director Ray Anderson has been looking for have been clear.

“Very frankly, I’m looking for someone who’s going to come in here and provide electricity,” he said in a press conference last week. “And fire. And sparks. And really ignite the thought that Arizona State varsity men’s basketball can really be dynamic.

“I’m looking for someone who has that personality. I’m looking for someone who is a dynamic recruiter. I’m looking for someone who’s a dynamic developer of basketball talent. I’m looking for someone who can come in here and energize the people who look at basketball to be really electric and get those people excited about investing and coming out to support the program. That’s what we’re looking for.”

But does such a person exist on the market right now?

Anderson says they do.

“There are some really, really fine basketball coaches out there that meet the qualifications that I, or anyone else who aspires to win at an elite level, (has),” he said to Arizona Sports 98.7 FM‘s Bickley and Marotta Thursday.

“We’re very confident that the folks who may or may not have an interest in this position will certainly check all the boxes.”

Especially the “energizing a community” part. Anderson said he thinks a “commitment 360” (as in, a full turnaround of support for program) can be done, and is possible.

How does he know?

He saw it happen when Todd Graham came to town.

“My experience has been to see…the community rally around propelling this football program to greater heights,” he said. “I have every reason to believe…that we will be able to do the same thing going forward with basketball.

“I have every confidence that this community is ready to rally and it’s long overdue in their minds.”

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