In a notable shift within the college basketball landscape, Ty Larson, who served as the Director of Recruiting for the Texas men’s basketball program, has departed to take on a new role with Arizona State University. Larson will be joining the Sun Devils as the Special Assistant to the Head Coach, bringing with him a wealth of experience in talent acquisition and program-building that he cultivated during his time with Texas.
The move comes as a significant change for both the Longhorns and the Sun Devils. Larson, who was instrumental in shaping the Texas basketball program’s recent recruiting strategies, played a crucial role in bringing top-tier talent to Austin. During his time at Texas, he was known for his ability to build strong relationships with recruits, identify emerging talent, and manage the intricate process of securing commitments from high-profile players. His departure is expected to have a considerable impact on the Texas basketball staff as they adapt to this transition.
Arizona State’s head coach, Bobby Hurley, sees Larson’s hiring as a key addition to the Sun Devils’ basketball program. In his role as the Special Assistant to the Head Coach, Larson will be expected to assist with a variety of tasks that go beyond traditional recruiting duties. His responsibilities will likely include coordinating player development activities, analyzing game strategies, and assisting in the day-to-day operations of the program. The position will also allow Larson to work closely with Coach Hurley, contributing his expertise in building a successful college basketball program.
For Arizona State, Larson’s recruitment expertise is especially timely as the Sun Devils look to bolster their roster and compete more effectively in the Pac-12. The conference has seen a significant amount of talent and competition, and adding a recruiter with Larson’s skills could provide the edge that ASU needs to attract high-caliber recruits. The Sun Devils have shown potential under Hurley’s leadership, and Larson’s presence is seen as a strategic move to elevate their status within the conference and improve their chances of making a strong run in the NCAA Tournament.
Ty Larson’s move to Arizona State also comes at a time when the landscape of college basketball recruiting is more complex than ever, with the transfer portal, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities, and increased competition among top programs changing how players make decisions. His experience navigating these challenges at Texas makes him a valuable asset for the Sun Devils. At Texas, Larson had the opportunity to work under a staff that prided itself on creating a cohesive recruiting strategy and maintaining a strong culture within the program. These experiences will be critical as he transitions to his new role at Arizona State.
In his departure statement, Larson expressed gratitude for his time at Texas and excitement about his new opportunity. “I’m incredibly thankful for my time at Texas and for all the relationships I’ve built with the staff and players,” Larson shared. “Joining Arizona State as the Special Assistant to the Head Coach is an exciting next step, and I’m looking forward to contributing to Coach Hurley’s vision for the program. ASU is a program on the rise, and I’m eager to be a part of that growth.”
Texas, meanwhile, will need to adjust to life without one of their key recruiting minds. With Larson’s departure, the Longhorns will likely look to restructure their recruiting department, aiming to maintain the momentum that has characterized their recent classes. The staff at Texas, led by head coach Rodney Terry, will need to find a suitable replacement who can continue to build on the program’s recent successes and ensure that they remain competitive in the challenging Big 12 Conference.
For Texas fans, Larson’s exit comes as a reminder of the competitive nature of college basketball staffing, where rising stars in the coaching and recruiting ranks often move on to new opportunities. However, it also highlights the growing attractiveness of Arizona State as a program. Coach Hurley has been actively working to establish a stronger recruiting pipeline, and Larson’s addition is a signal of the university’s commitment to making that happen.
As the upcoming season approaches, all eyes will be on how Larson’s expertise will influence Arizona State’s recruiting efforts and overall program structure. For the Sun Devils, his arrival marks a new chapter in their quest to become a consistent force in the Pac-12. And while Texas adjusts to this significant change, the Longhorns remain determined to stay competitive as one of the premier programs in the Big 12. Ultimately, this transition marks a pivotal moment for both programs, as each looks to make its mark on the college basketball stage.