ASU men’s basketball finds its footing early in nonconference play

Arizona State men’s basketball has made a strong start to its season, showing early promise as it prepares to compete in the Big 12. After a tough exhibition loss to Duke, the Sun Devils have rebounded to a solid 4-1 record, including a rivalry victory and competitive games against some of the nation’s top teams.

Things didn’t look great initially, especially after ASU’s season opener against Idaho State, a team ranked eighth out of 10 in the Big Sky preseason poll. The Sun Devils won, but only by a narrow margin of seven points. Despite Idaho State shooting just 25% from the field, ASU struggled with its offensive rhythm. Head coach Bobby Hurley was frustrated with his team’s performance, noting that they appeared disjointed and lacked fight, especially in the second half.

“We were doing bizarre stuff out there on offense,” Hurley said. ASU shot just 36% from the field and 29% from three-point range. Hurley was also critical of the overall effort, expressing disappointment at the lack of leadership. Senior guard Alston Mason, a transfer from Missouri State, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging that the team’s chemistry was still a work in progress given the number of new players.

However, the Sun Devils’ fortunes quickly changed over the next few games. ASU’s offense improved significantly in an 81-74 victory over Santa Clara, with the team shooting 45% from the field and 42% from three-point range. Freshman forward Jayden Quaintance, though quiet offensively, played a significant role on defense, recording 13 rebounds and four blocks, bringing his total to 10 blocks in two games. His presence in the paint provided ASU with the defensive stability they needed to keep opponents in check.

One of the toughest tests came next: a matchup against then-No. 6 Gonzaga. The Bulldogs were coming off a dominant 101-63 win over Baylor, but the Sun Devils kept things competitive, even though they entered the game as heavy underdogs. Senior forward Basheer Jihad, a transfer from Ball State, proved to be a key player, scoring a game-high 22 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. Despite a balanced scoring attack from ASU, Gonzaga’s star power was too much to overcome. Arkansas transfer Khalif Battle led Gonzaga with 19 points, and the Bulldogs held on for an 88-80 victory.

Despite the loss, Hurley found positives in the game. “I think our players recognize that if we can compete and play against a team like that at this level, there’s certainly a lot of hope that we can become a really good basketball team,” he said. The Sun Devils showed resilience, and Hurley believed the experience would serve them well as they moved forward in the season.

The Sun Devils quickly rebounded with a strong performance against Grand Canyon University (GCU), winning 87-76. Freshman guard Joson Sanon played a key role, posting a career-high 21 points and hitting 5-7 from three-point range. His breakout performance helped Hurley secure his 200th career win as a head coach. Jihad added 18 points and five rebounds in the win, and he attributed the team’s improved performance to a renewed sense of cohesion after their loss to Duke. “We made a collective effort after the Duke game to try and come together more,” Jihad said. “The leadership grew.”

Now sitting at 4-1, ASU’s early success can be credited to its deep, balanced roster. The team is composed of experienced veterans alongside promising freshmen who have the potential to make an impact. The Sun Devils’ scoring attack has been more balanced this season, with four players averaging double figures. They have been effective in the paint and from beyond the arc, areas that were lacking in previous seasons.

Despite his struggles offensively, Quaintance has been a major contributor on the defensive end, averaging 3.4 blocks per game, ranking sixth in the nation. His shot-blocking ability has been a huge asset for the team, helping to anchor their defense and provide them with crucial stops in key moments.

Looking ahead, ASU’s nonconference schedule remains challenging. The Sun Devils will face New Mexico on Nov. 28, followed by a matchup with either St. Mary’s or USC. On Dec. 14, ASU will travel to Atlanta for a neutral-site game against a ranked Florida team, which will serve as another tough test for the team. With the demanding Big 12 schedule on the horizon, ASU will need to continue improving and building on the momentum they’ve generated so far.

Overall, the Sun Devils’ early season performance suggests that they are well-positioned to compete in the Big 12. With a solid blend of experienced players and rising stars, ASU has the tools to be a competitive force in the conference. The key to their success will be continuing to develop team chemistry, improving offensive efficiency, and maintaining strong defensive play. If they can keep progressing in these areas, they will be a tough opponent for anyone in the Big 12 this season.