Bobby Hurley was born on June 28, 1971, in Jersey City, New Jersey. Growing up in a basketball-driven household, he was heavily influenced by his father, Bob Hurley Sr., a legendary high school coach. Under his father’s guidance, Hurley developed exceptional skills as a point guard at St. Anthony High School, a powerhouse for young basketball talent.
By the time he graduated, Hurley was one of the most sought-after high school players in the country. Standing at 6 feet (183 cm) and weighing 165 pounds (75 kg), he had the court vision and leadership qualities that made him a standout player. His next step? Duke University, where he would leave an unforgettable mark on college basketball history.
Profile Bio
| Full Name | Robert Matthew Hurley |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | June 28, 1971 |
| Age | 53 years old |
| Birthplace | Jersey City, New Jersey |
| Height | 6 feet (183 cm) |
| Weight | 165 lbs (75 kg) |
| NBA Team | Sacramento Kings (1993–1998) |
| Accident Date | December 12, 1993 |
| Coaching Career | 2010 – Present |
| Current Role | Head Coach, Arizona State |
| Wife | Leslie Palceski |
| Children | Cameron, Sydney, Bobby Jr. |
| Net Worth | $8 million (2025) |
| Social Media | Active on Twitter & Instagram |
A College Basketball Legend
From 1989 to 1993, Hurley was the backbone of Duke’s basketball team. He led the Duke Blue Devils to back-to-back NCAA Championships in 1991 and 1992, a feat that cemented his legacy. He was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 1992 NCAA Tournament, thanks to his brilliant passing and fearless play.
Hurley was more than just a player he was a leader. He finished his college career with an NCAA record 1,076 assists, a mark that still stands today. His incredible performances caught the attention of NBA scouts, and in the 1993 NBA Draft, he was selected 7th overall by the Sacramento Kings.
Everything was falling into place. Hurley was set to take the NBA by storm. But then, disaster struck.
The Night That Changed Everything
On December 12, 1993, Hurley had just finished playing a home game for the Sacramento Kings against the Los Angeles Clippers. He was driving his Toyota 4Runner home from Arco Arena when another vehicle, a 1970 Buick station wagon, suddenly crashed into him.
The driver of the other vehicle, Daniel Wieland, was reportedly driving without headlights, making the accident unavoidable. Hurley was not wearing a seatbelt, and the impact threw him nearly 100 feet away from his car, landing in a roadside ditch.
He suffered severe internal injuries, including:
- Collapsed lungs
- A ruptured trachea
- Fractured ribs and a broken back
- Blood loss so extreme he was barely alive
Teammate Mike Peplowski was driving behind Hurley and immediately rushed to his aid, possibly saving his life. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the damage was devastating.
A Long and Painful Recovery
Doctors were unsure if Hurley would even survive, let alone play basketball again. He spent weeks in the hospital, undergoing multiple surgeries to repair his broken body.
Rehabilitation was brutal. Hurley had to relearn basic movements, and the pain from his injuries was overwhelming. Yet, his competitive spirit and love for basketball kept him going.
A Fight to Return to the NBA
Against all odds, Hurley returned to the Sacramento Kings the following season. But despite his efforts, his body never fully recovered. The injuries robbed him of his elite speed and court vision.
Hurley played only five seasons in the NBA, struggling to regain his pre-accident form. In 1998, he officially retired, marking the end of what could have been a Hall of Fame career.
A New Purpose: Coaching
Instead of walking away from the game, Hurley reinvented himself. He turned to coaching, determined to pass on his knowledge to the next generation.
His coaching journey began in 2010, when he became an assistant coach at Wagner College, working with his brother, Dan Hurley. He later joined the University of Rhode Island, further developing his coaching skills.
In 2013, Hurley got his first big break, becoming the head coach of the University at Buffalo. Under his leadership, Buffalo won its first Mid-American Conference Championship and made an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2015.
His success at Buffalo led to an even bigger opportunity: Arizona State University. Since 2015, Hurley has been the head coach of the Arizona State Sun Devils, bringing his signature toughness and passion to the program.
Bobby Hurley’s Personal Life
Off the court, Hurley is a devoted family man. He married Leslie Palceski on November 2, 1995, and together they have three children Cameron, Sydney, and Bobby Jr. Despite the accident, he built a stable and fulfilling life.
Hurley has also pursued other interests, including horse racing. He owns a thoroughbred named Songandaprayer, which won the 2001 Fountain of Youth Stakes.
Net Worth and Influence
Today, Bobby Hurley’s net worth is estimated at $8 million. His income comes from his coaching career, endorsements, and investments. While his playing career was cut short, he found a way to remain relevant in basketball and inspire young athletes.
Legacy and Inspiration
Hurley’s story is a testament to resilience. His accident could have ended his career and his life. But he refused to let tragedy define him. Instead, he transformed his passion for basketball into coaching, impacting countless players along the way.
His journey serves as a reminder that no matter how difficult the challenge, with determination, perseverance, and passion, you can create a new path to success.
Final Thoughts
Bobby Hurley’s story is one of determination, resilience, and reinvention. His near-fatal accident could have ended everything, but instead, he found a way to keep his passion for basketball alive. Though his NBA career was cut short, he turned tragedy into an opportunity, becoming a respected coach and mentor.
His journey reminds us that life’s setbacks don’t define us our response to them does. Hurley’s legacy isn’t just about his skills on the court but his unbreakable spirit and ability to adapt and thrive despite adversity. His story continues to inspire athletes and individuals facing their own challenges, proving that with passion and perseverance, a new path is always possible.
FAQs
What happened to Bobby Hurley in 1993?
On December 12, 1993, Bobby Hurley was involved in a serious car accident after a Sacramento Kings game. He suffered life-threatening injuries but survived after extensive medical treatment.
Did Bobby Hurley return to the NBA after his accident?
Yes, he attempted a comeback with the Sacramento Kings but never fully regained his previous form. He retired from professional basketball in 1998.
What does Bobby Hurley do now?
Hurley is currently the head coach of Arizona State University’s basketball team, a position he has held since 2015.
What is Bobby Hurley’s net worth?
As of 2025, Bobby Hurley’s estimated net worth is $8 million, earned through his NBA career, coaching, and business ventures.
Is Bobby Hurley married?
Yes, he is married to Leslie Palceski, and they have three children together.
