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Arizona State (14-18, 8-12 Pac-12)
The Sun Devils are expecting a rebound from a disappointing 2023-24 season after coach Bobby Hurley brought in one of his best recruiting classes for the program’s move to the Big 12. Arizona State will have several newcomers to play with guard Adam Miller and big man Shawn Phillips Jr. as it tries to return to the NCAA Tournament after missing out last year. Jayden Quaintance, a 6-foot-9 forward, was one of the top recruits at his position coming out of high school and fellow freshman Joson Sanon is a 6-5 guard who can fill it up. Hurley shored up his roster through the transfer portal, adding three high-scoring players.
Players to watch
Miller (senior, G, 6-3, 12.4 ppg). The former LSU guard had an up-and-down first season in Tempe, but showed glimpses of his scoring ability, including a 20-point game against TCU. He will be Arizona State’s leader on and off the floor.
Phillips (junior, F, 7-0, 5.5 ppg). The athletic big man was a good fit for Hurley’s free-flowing offense after dealing with a foot injury early last season. He shot 55% from the floor primarily coming off the bench last season.
Quaintance (freshman, F, 6-9). Hurley has been impressed with the highly-touted recruit since he arrived on campus. Rated one of the nation’s top incoming power forwards, Quaintance has a massive wingspan and a solid frame with soft hands and a good touch — qualities that could make him an NBA lottery pick in two years.
Departures and arrivals
Arizona State lost the bulk of its scoring from last season with Frankie Collins, Jose Perez, Jamiya Neal and Alonzo Gaffney all gone. Hurley’s 2024 recruiting class was rated No. 9 nationally in the 247 Sports composite and the transfer additions include proven scorers. BJ Freeman scored 21.1 points per game at Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Basheer Jihad averaged 18.6 points at Ball State and Alston Mason 17.5 at Missouri State.
Top games
Arizona plays at No. 6 Gonzaga on Nov. 10 in a tough early-season test, has a…
Source link : https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/arizona-state-aiming-ncaa-tournament-210727322.html
Author : The Canadian Press
Publish date : 2024-10-23 21:07:00
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