Former Duke basketball star Bobby Hurley has been named University at Buffalo’s new men’s basketball coach. Athletic Director Danny White made the announcement late Tuesday afternoon at a news conference held at UB’s Alumni Arena.
Bobby Hurley thanked UB, his family and especially his father and brother for teaching him the game and coaching philosophy. Hurley was an assistant Coach with his brother Danny at Rhode Island this past season and Wagner before that. Bobby Hurley also thanked for UB Coach Reggie Witherspoon for doing a great job with the current team and his great relationships in the community.
“The University at Buffalo has a tremendous amount of potential and has a chance to take off,” said Hurley. “We need someone to take it to another level and I’ll do that with the guys on a daily basis.”
Hurley stated that he he likes a fast tempo and in particular a guard friendly offense. Hurley also said that he will not rush into the hiring of a staff because he feels having the right staff will be critical to his success.
“After reviewing a large and highly qualified national pool and following my conversations with some of the most respected figures in college athletics, Coach Hurley was clearly the choice to lead the next era of UB basketball,” Danny White said. ” As we continue to foster our role as the flagship athletic department for the state of New York, the appointment of Coach Hurley sends a clear statement that the University at Buffalo is committed to bringing big time college athletics to the Western New York community and the state at large.
“Coach Hurley adds an exciting dynamic to our athletic program,” White added. “He is one of the most accomplished players in college basketball history with a legacy that includes three Final Four appearances and winning two national championships. I’m confident, after our discussions, that he is the right leader to take our program to the next level. We couldn’t be more proud to welcome Bobby, Leslie and their family to the Western New York community.”
Hurley was one of the stars that lead Duke to National titles in 1991 and 1992 and was the Most Outstanding Player in the Final Four in 1992. Hurley played for the legendary Mike Kyschewski at Duke, who offered these comments,” I am incredibly happy for Bobby and for the Buffalo Basketball program. What a great marriage it will be for Bobby to work with Danny White. The two will form an incredible team that will take Buffalo Basketball to another level of success. Bobby Hurley is as good of a competitor and the equal of any guard to play in the history of college basketball,” said Kyschewski.
Hurley also played with Buffalo native Christian Laettner at Duke who was excited about his former teammate coming to Buffalo. “I couldn’t be happier for Bobby. It’s my hometown, so I’m excited for the city of Buffalo and UB. You are getting a ‘Class A’ person and character and a ‘Class A’ in terms of basketball knowledge. I don’t want to put pressure on him, but I’m expecting the basketball program to improve because Bobby is a great coach,” said Laettner.
After Hurley’s success at Duke he was drafted into the NBA by the Philadelphia 76’ers, but a car accident derailed his NBA career. Hurley become involved with horse racing, but joined his brother Dan at Wagner and eventually Rhode Island.
Hurley replaced Reggie Witherspoon who was 198-228 in his 14-year tenure at UB, including a 14-20 this season.
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Tagged with: AD Danny White, Bobby Hurley, Bulls, men's basketball, UB, University at Buffalo
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