Injuries can often derail seasons in all sports. However, many athletes play through minor injuries for the love of the game and the determination to help their team.
That’s exactly what Arizona State men’s basketball coach Bobby Hurley brought attention to after the Sun Devils’ win over Utah on Saturday.
“That’s the world we live in, unfortunately,” Hurley told reporters postgame. “And I just can’t thank enough the guys that are playing, that are pushing through injuries.”
Hurley was talking about Moe Odum, Allen Mukeba and Santiago Trouet. The three Sun Devils entered Saturday battling multiple injuries but gutted it out because ASU was already down to an eight-man rotation.
“(Mukeba) didn’t practice this week at all. His foot was hurting, but he knew we have eight guys. So, we get in foul trouble, we’re going to need him, so he was there,” Trouet told reporters postgame. “He played a good game. So, we just got to all have the same mindset. We just got to help each other and not let the team down, just push through.”
Mukeba is one of ASU’s energy guys who brings defensive intensity off the bench. He finished the game with six points on a perfect 3 for 3 from the field. Mukeba added two rebounds and an assist.
In addition to Mukeba, Odum was dealing with a midfoot sprain. Hurley said it was a “testament to the character” of his players to show up for their team even though they were hurting.
“Neither guy practiced the last two days,” Hurley said. “Especially Moe, there was no hesitation when I said, ‘How you feeling? What do you think? You sure you don’t want to make this thing perfect and get ready for Kansas?’
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“There was not a chance in the world the way that kid looked before the game, and Allen, same thing. So very impressive, very thankful to have those two in the program.”
Odum finished the game as ASU’s leading scorer, which has become the norm this season. The Sun Devils guard had 15 points (6-of-11 shooting), four assists, two rebounds, a block and a steal.
Odum and Mukeba have played in every game this season. Odum leads the team in points per game and assists, and Mukeba is third on the team in total rebounds despite being eighth on the team in total minutes played.
“I’ve had some teams that if guys have had their injuries, they might be out for six to eight weeks,” Hurley said.
“I’ve had some teams that if guys have had their injuries, they might be out for six to eight weeks.”
Bobby Hurley voiced his appreciation for Moe Odum and Allen Mukeba playing through injuries. He added Noah Meeusen could’ve re-entered the game if it was necessary, after… pic.twitter.com/kpqt3hqc8A
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“It’s a lot of people, a lot of kids who wish they was in my position,” Odum told reporters postgame. “So, I mean if I could walk, I could run. If I could run, I definitely could play.”
Odum has displayed his toughness, love for the game and clutch playing abilities all season long, and that quote encapsulates the player he is perfectly.
When asked how the mid-foot sprain he’s dealing with affected how he would be able to play Saturday, he called it a “baby” injury postgame.
“I’m not really worried about it too much, baby injuries or lingering injuries,” Odum said. “I wouldn’t count that as banged up. (Coach Hurley) told me sit down. I really didn’t want to sit down, so I’m all right.”
Odum is the engine that keeps the Sun Devils running, but Trouet provided a double-double and three-block performance Saturday while dealing with some lingering ankle soreness.
Hurley said the way Trouet played to start the second half against Utah is exactly why he likes to coach the Argentine.
“Santi is another guy that both ankles hurt over the last couple of weeks and he made such a huge impact in this game, especially in the first four minutes of the second half,” Hurley said. “When a lot of guys would put their head down if they miss a layup, he just kept going after the ball and going after the ball and going after the ball.
“So he personifies the type of players that I like to coach and just thankful that he’s pushed through injuries this year. He has not felt perfect in probably a couple of months.”
Saturday’s win over Utah put ASU back above .500, and now the Sun Devils will welcome Kansas to Desert Financial Arena on Tuesday at 7 p.m. for their final home game of the season.
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