Tempe, AZ – The energy inside Desert Financial Arena reached a fever pitch today as former Arizona State Sun Devils men’s basketball legend Dustin Pedroia made a surprise return to the program — this time not as a player, but as a senior coaching advisor. The announcement sent a wave of excitement through the Arizona State community, marking a homecoming for one of the school’s most revered multi-sport athletes.
Though widely known for his Major League Baseball career with the Boston Red Sox, few forget Pedroia’s early years as a dynamic dual-sport athlete at Arizona State University (ASU), where he briefly played basketball before fully committing to baseball. His tenacity, leadership, and relentless work ethic left a lasting impression across Sun Devil athletics.
A Long-Awaited Homecoming
The return of Pedroia, 41, comes as the Sun Devils look to rebuild their men’s basketball program under head coach Bobby Hurley. Pedroia will serve in an advisory and mentorship capacity, focusing on player development, leadership training, and team culture.
“This place made me who I am,” Pedroia said during a press conference this afternoon. “It’s an honor to come back and give everything I’ve learned back to the players, coaches, and university that gave me my shot.”
The news came as a surprise to many, but was met with roaring applause from a packed arena as Pedroia was introduced during halftime of an ASU alumni exhibition game.
Coach Bobby Hurley Reacts
Head coach Bobby Hurley, now entering his 11th season with the Sun Devils, called Pedroia’s addition a “game-changing moment” for the culture of the program.
“Dustin knows what it means to compete, to win, and to lead. He brings a championship mindset that’s contagious,” Hurley said. “He may have made his name in baseball, but his roots in basketball run deep, and we’re excited to have him helping guide our guys.”
Hurley noted that Pedroia’s role will be flexible, allowing him to work closely with players during key training sessions, attend practices, and serve as a mentor throughout the season.
A Legacy of Grit and Leadership
Pedroia, a three-time MLB All-Star, Gold Glove winner, and 2008 American League MVP, was known for his scrappy playing style and no-nonsense leadership during a 14-year career with the Boston Red Sox. But before he became a Fenway Park favorite, Pedroia was making waves on ASU’s Tempe campus — not only as a top-tier baseball recruit but also as a passionate student-athlete who briefly suited up for the Sun Devils basketball team during his freshman year.
While his basketball stats were modest, teammates and coaches recall his intensity and leadership even back then.
“He was the loudest guy on the court and the hardest worker in the gym,” one former teammate recalled. “You just knew he was going to do something special.”
Building for the Future
Pedroia’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for the Sun Devils, who are looking to climb back into national contention. The team missed out on the NCAA Tournament last season but has high hopes with a strong recruiting class and a renewed focus on discipline and leadership.
Pedroia plans to stay involved year-round, balancing his role with other post-retirement endeavors, including his charitable foundation and youth baseball coaching initiatives.
“I’m not here to coach plays. I’m here to coach people,” Pedroia said. “These guys are the future — I want to help them chase greatness the right way.”
A Community Inspired
The announcement has already created a buzz across social media and ASU alumni networks. Fans, former teammates, and national commentators have praised Pedroia’s commitment to giving back and helping elevate a program that means so much to him.
As the arena lights dimmed and the crowd filtered out, one thing was clear: Dustin Pedroia’s return to Arizona State isn’t just a feel-good story — it’s a powerful reminder of what it means to come home and lead with heart.