Respect for Hurley(s)
While UA coach Sean Miller praises the job first-year ASU coach Bobby Hurley is doing — “he’s created an identity that will be there for years to come,” Miller said — there’s another Hurley he may respect even more.
That would be Bob Hurley, Sr., the longtime coach of New Jersey prep powerhouse St. Anthony.
“I saw something the other day that he’s won over 20 state championships,” Miller said, and the number is actually 27. “I mean, are you kidding? Do you know how hard that is to do in the state of New Jersey?
“He’s as tough minded as any guy who coaches the game, cares a lot about his players. Takes guys from tough backgrounds, and teaches them the values of hard work and academics in a Catholic school environment. The number of kids he’s gotten their education paid for with a scholarship is remarkable.”
Miller’s father also did pretty well at the high school game. John Miller won over 600 games and four state championships at Blackhawk High outside of Pittsburgh — but he never did have to face St. Anthony, even in a tournament.
“No, and I’m gonna tell you St. Anthony would beat Blackhawk by about 50 points,” Miller said. “A couple of those (Blackhawk) teams would have given them a run for their money, but I would have to say that St. Anthony would have had their way with Blackhawk over the years.”
