TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley was left exasperated at occasions final season by a crew that appeared to lack chemistry and performed inconsistently.
Hoping to return this system to an upward trajectory, Hurley overhauled the roster for 2021-22, bringing in a bunch of transfers and freshmen whom he hopes can add a stage of grit.
“I think it comes down to that really, mental toughness,” Hurley mentioned. “We had games last year where a team would run 10 points off on us and we would not respond. You’ve got to have guys who are willing to face those types of adversities and be able to have a response and dig themselves out of a hole and get themselves back in the game.”
Arizona State had certainly one of its most gifted rosters in program historical past final season, a mixture of regular veterans and top-tier freshmen.
The Solar Devils by no means appeared to gel, tormented by accidents, COVID-19 breaks and an absence of cohesiveness to complete a disappointing 11-14.
Arizona State misplaced gifted guards Remy Martin (Kansas) and Allonzo Verge (Nebraska) to transfers, and freshman Josh Christopher to the skilled ranks.
The Solar Devils acquired a giant increase when large man Marcus Bagley opted to return after coming into the switch portal, becoming a member of Jalen Graham and Kimani Lawrence in what might be a veteran frontcourt.
Guard Luther Muhammad will present Arizona State with a number of the grit Hurley needs after sitting out final season as a switch from Ohio State. The group of transfers who're instantly eligible arrive within the desert after having success at smaller faculties, led by Toledo’s Marreon Jackson, Mid-American Convention participant of the yr final season.
Switch guard Jay Heath was Boston School’s main scorer at 14.5 factors per sport final season and guard DJ Horne led Illinois State with 15.1 factors per sport. Northwest Florida State Junior School switch ahead Alonzo Gafney additionally may have an effect after taking part in his freshman yr at Ohio State.
“We’ve got a lot of guys that are just tough,” Lawrence mentioned. “We compete every day. We go at each other every day. We’re just a really competitive group of guys. Hurley did a good job putting this group of guys together.”
FIVE-STAR FRESHMAN
Huge man Enoch Boakye has been coping with a minor knee problem, however is anticipated to play a giant function for the Solar Devils.
The 6-foot-10 Canadian is a bodily, athletic presence who was rated No. 20 total by the 247Sports composite after reclassifying to the Class of 2021. Hurley likened him to a much bigger model of former Arizona State guard Lugentz Dort, a assured participant who performs and works arduous in observe.
“When you have those things going for you with the physical talent you have with the size and athletic ability, it’s a pretty good package,” Hurley mentioned.
MUHAMMAD’S TURN
Hurley at occasions would rave about Muhammad final season, regardless that the tough-minded guard wasn’t eligible to play.
The 6-3 guard began 28 video games at Ohio State and pushed the Solar Devils each day in observe as he waited for his flip this season.
“He brings a toughness and an intensity and just rubs off on other guys,” Hurley mentioned.
NONCONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Arizona State ought to have an opportunity to determine just a few issues out on the court docket with a nonconference schedule that begins with Portland, UC Riverside and North Florida.
The Solar Devils’ first large take a look at will come towards San Diego State on Nov. 18. Proper after that, they face a troublesome Battle 4 Atlantis area within the Bahamas that features No. 8 Baylor, No. 18 Auburn, No. 24 UConn, Michigan State and Virginia Commonwealth.
___
More AP school basketball: http://sociallytrend.com/Collegebasketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Conversations are opinions of our readers and are topic to the Code of Conduct. The Star doesn't endorse these opinions.
