Men’s head basketball coach Herb Sendek accepted an offer Saturday evening to coach the Arizona State Sun Devils next season, sources confirmed Sunday.

His decision comes on the heels of a 22-win season and a second-round loss to Texas in the NCAA tournament.

The Arizona Republic, a Phoenix-based publication, reported that Sendek met with Arizona State Athletics Director Lisa Love “at an undisclosed location sometime after a meeting with [Rick] Majerus in Milwaukee Tuesday.”

According to the Republic, Arizona State offered Sendek a substantial pay increase.

“A couple of reports put the annual salary at $1.3 million,” the paper stated.

Under contract with NCSU through 2010, Sendek’s compensation, with salary, was nearly $800,000.

Sendek had the third-longest tenure among active ACC coaches with a 17-54 record against Duke, North Carolina and Wake Forest.

Although he posted a .690 winning percentage in his 10-year career, he never won an ACC championship — State’s last was in 1987.

Bobby Purcell, the executive director of the Wolfpack Club, offered the club’s sentiment.

“It is sad to see him leave — he did a great job building our program,” he said.

Purcell made note of Sendek’s success over the past 10 years.

“He came in when things weren’t good and built us into a consistent tournament team,” he said. “[Sendek] stood for great things and his players are great representatives of the University.”

He indicated, however, that fan support in the last few years has deteriorated.

“Things have been tough [for Sendek] with the fan response,” he stated. “Some things said have been unfair.”

Purcell also added that he doesn’t disagree with Sendek for leaving.

“I am happy for him to get a fresh start,” he said. “He will be recognized as a great coach when he retires.”

Les Robinson, former men’s head basketball coach, who Sendek replaced in 1996 and eventually took over the role as the athletics director for the University, is the athletics director at the Citadel.

According to Robinson, he had a hand in the hiring of Sendek along with former Athletics Director Todd Turner.

“Herb did a great job — I have a lot of respect for him,” Robinson said. “He served my alma mater well.”

Braxton Albritton, a walk-on to the men’s basketball team this season, said he was in disbelief when he heard the news that Sendek was going to Arizona State.

“I was shocked — he’s done so well for the program,” he said.

He also mentioned that the current interest in Sendek “says a lot.”

“I hate to see him leave,” Albritton said. “I would love for him to stay, but it is his life — I want whatever is best for him.”

When faced with the question of his future as a member of the team, Albritton stated he had “no idea” of what was to come.

“Whatever happens — happens,” he said.

Jack McCauley, father of freshman forward Ben McCauley, had a similar response.

“Shocked and saddened would be my initial reactions,” he said. “We’re hoping to turn a negative into a positive and move on.”

As of right now, McCauley said his family isn’t focused on the future.

“Right now we’re looking back and haven’t thought about the future yet,” he said. “Ben and our family’s feelings were one of complete trust and satisfaction in Coach Sendek.”

Jack McCauley indicated that the team met yesterday morning to talk about the current coaching situation and is “trying to remain positive about the situation.”

According to Albritton, the team was “shocked.”

“Everyone wants the best for [Sendek] and to see him do really well,” he said.

Albritton was adamant about the team’s unity, especially with the possibility of any of his teammates leaving in the wake of Sendek’s departure.

“This doesn’t have anything to do with it,” he said. “We want to stick together.”

Jordan Collins, former player and most recently a student assistant under Sendek commented on the coach’s decision.

“I feel he made the best decision for him and his family,” Collins said.

The president of the Student Wolfpack Club, Will Howie, said he couldn’t speak for the entire club, but confirmed that its member’s opinions of Sendek were mixed.

His personal thoughts were also varied, and he indicated that he has a lot of respect for Sendek, but thought it was time for a change.

“He did a lot for the program; what he could contribute — he did,” Howie said. “The program plateaued.”

As far as a replacement is concerned, Howie dismissed many circling rumors and noted an ideal platform for a new coach.

“I want a coach that graduates players, has class and shows emotion,” he said.

Brian Simorka, the vice president of the Student Wolfpack Club, also indicated that the club’s members have displayed mixed emotions.

He also offered his opinion on Sendek’s train of thought.

“If I am Sendek — all [Arizona State] has to tell me is I will be making over a million dollars and fans will support me,” he said.

He added that even though Sendek left on his own accord, fans should not have considered firing him an option.

In regards to Sendek’s replacement, Purcell said the Wolfpack Club doesn’t get involved in personnel decisions and that they are there to raise money for the athletics programs.

“I supported Herb from day one; the Wolfpack Club supports all coaches,” he said.

Robinson, who worked closely with Sendek for five years, expressed his feelings toward his successor.

“As a guy who has spent [my] life in athletics — almost 50 years in basketball — I only wish that more coaches had the character and the substance to them that Herb has,” he said.

Managing Editor Josh Harrell, Deputy Sports Editor Nick Jeffreys and Sports Editor Tanner Kroeger contributed to this report.