Rebuilding the Sun Devils: A Look at the Arizona State Basketball Roster

The Arizona State Sun Devils men's basketball team represents Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. After a 13-20 debut season in the Big 12 conference and the departure of key players, head coach Bobby Hurley faces a crucial contract year, necessitating a swift rebuild of the program. This article explores the current state of the roster and the strategies Hurley is employing to reshape the team.

A Program in Transition

Following a season of significant roster turnover, Bobby Hurley is seeking to manufacture a quick rebuild of the Arizona State basketball program after losing nearly his entire roster from the previous season. Only one player is set to come back after the Sun Devils went 13-20 in their debut season in the Big 12 conference - freshman phenom Jayden Quaintance went to Kentucky, while fellow building blocks Joson Sanon and Amier Ali went elsewhere as well. These recent developments have forced Hurley to change the way that he has approached roster building going into his contract year - he has done a very stout job when it comes to curating the roster in his image for an absolutely crucial season.

Guarding the Future: The Backcourt Lineup

The guard position is critical to the Sun Devils' success. The current roster features a mix of transfers and returning players, each bringing unique skills to the court.

Moe Odum: The Pepperdine transfer is poised to be the "pure" point guard the Sun Devils have sought for years. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 7.5 assists per game (APG) and shot over 37% from three-point range.
Bryce Ford: Ford's role will be to provide scoring option and defensive presence in the backcourt.
Adante Holiman: Last season, Holiman was the leading scorer in the Sun Belt for Georgia Southern. He is expected to add much-needed floor spacing to the team.
Vijay Wallace: Wallace's versatility and experience will be valuable assets to the team.
Trevor Best: Best is the lone returning player from the previous year, providing continuity and familiarity with the program.
Anthony Johnson: Johnson is an intriguing addition, coming from Cumberlands (Kentucky), an NAIA school.
- A. Holiman#3G5-11175 lbs
- A. Johnson#2G6-3175 lbs
- B. Ford#4G6-4190 lbs
- M. Odum#5G6-2160 lbs
- T. Best#12G6-3180 lbs
- V. Wallace#7G6-5175 lbs
- Q. McCoy#22G6-1165 lbs

Wings and Scoring: Adding Depth on the Perimeter

The wings provide scoring punch and versatility to the Sun Devils' offense.

Marcus Jackson: Jackson's athleticism and scoring ability will be key to the team's success.
Kash Polk: Polk's size and strength will make him a valuable asset on both ends of the court.
- K. Polk#11F6-10200 lbs
Marcus Adams Jr.: Adams Jr. is a former four-star recruit who averaged 16.1 points per game (PPG) and shot 39.5% from three-point range at Cal State Northridge before joining the Sun Devils.

Strength in the Frontcourt: Power Forwards

The forwards bring physicality and rebounding to the Arizona State lineup.

Read also: Arizona Education System

Allen Mukeba: Mukeba is a 6'6", 247-pound power forward known for his finishing ability and physicality during crucial game stretches.
- A. Mukeba#23F6-8247 lbs
Andrija Grbovic: Grbovic's international experience and skill set will provide a unique dimension to the team.
- A. Grbović#14F6-11207 lbs
Santiago Trouet: Trouet's versatility and work ethic will make him a valuable contributor.
- S. Trouet#1F6-11218 lbs
M. Diop#35C7-1230 lbs
D. Salane#24C7-1195 lbs
J. Ićitović#70F6-9235 lbs
N. Meeusen#15G6-5209 lbs

Historical Context and Program Achievements

The Arizona State Sun Devils have a storied basketball history, marked by NCAA Tournament appearances and conference championships.

NCAA Tournament Appearances: The Sun Devils have appeared in the NCAA tournament 17 times, including three Elite Eight appearances (1961, 1963, 1975).
Conference Championships: They have won eight conference championships, including four in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and four in the Border Conference.
Rankings: The Sun Devils have finished in the final AP rankings seven times. Their highest national ranking was AP No. 3 under Bobby Hurley during the 2017-18 season.
Coaching Legacy: Bobby Hurley is the current head coach, succeeding Herb Sendek, who brought renewed excitement to the program. Sendek led the Sun Devils to three consecutive 20-win seasons, the 2009 Pac-10 conference tournament finals, and the second round of the 2009 and 2014 NCAA tournaments. Hurley has taken the Sun Devils to the 2018, 2019, and 2023 NCAA Tournaments.

Notable Moments

The Sun Devils earned a 3-seed and first-round bye in the Pac-12 Conference men's basketball tournament, which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2020 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament was also canceled due to the pandemic.

All-Time Series Records vs. Pac-12 Opponents

As of March 2024, the Sun Devils lead in three all-time series against Pac-12 opponents.

Tournament History

NCAA Tournament: The Sun Devils have appeared in the NCAA tournament 17 times, with a combined record of 14-17.
National Invitation Tournament (NIT): Arizona State has appeared in the NIT 13 times.
NAIA Division I Tournament: Arizona State has appeared in the NAIA Division I men's basketball tournament twice.
National Commissioners Invitational Tournament: Arizona State has appeared in the National Commissioners Invitational Tournament once.
College Basketball Crown: Arizona State has appeared in the College Basketball Crown once.