Arizona State Poised for Big 12 Breakthrough with Loaded Roster

Arizona State men's basketball is set to embark on a new era as they enter their inaugural season in the prestigious Big 12 Conference. Head coach Bobby Hurley has assembled his most talented roster to date, positioning the Sun Devils to thrive in the grueling demands of the nation's premier basketball league.

Primed for a Big 12 Breakout

Roster Overhaul Brings Impressive Newcomers

The Sun Devils have become accustomed to roster turnover, but this offseason's influx of talent is particularly noteworthy. Headlining the newcomers is center Jayden Quaintance, a top-10 prospect in the incoming class who previously committed to Kentucky before coach John Calipari's departure. Quaintance, who just turned 17 in July, is poised to make an immediate impact with his size and skill set.Joining Quaintance is guard Joson Sanon, a top-25 freshman and top-five shooting guard in the class. Sanon was previously committed to Arizona before Caleb Love's decision to return to school after testing the NBA waters. Both Quaintance and Sanon are expected to contribute significantly, with the potential to earn starting roles.Rounding out the impressive freshman class is wing Amier Ali, a 6-foot-8 sharpshooter who could provide valuable depth and scoring off the bench.

Experienced Transfers Bolster the Roster

In addition to the talented freshmen, Hurley has brought in several experienced transfers who could make an immediate impact. Basheer Jihad (Ball State), BJ Freeman (UW-Milwaukee), Alston Mason (Missouri State), and Brandon Gardner (USC) all bring valuable experience and skill sets that Hurley believes will translate well to the rigors of the Big 12.The Sun Devils also welcome back point guard Austin Nunez, who spent the 2023-24 season at Ole Miss after being a freshman Sun Devil the previous year.

Returning Talent Provides Stability

While the roster has undergone significant changes, Arizona State does return a couple of key pieces from last season's rotation. Guard Adam Miller and center Shawn Phillips Jr. will provide valuable experience and leadership as the Sun Devils navigate their inaugural Big 12 campaign.

Challenging Big 12 Schedule Awaits

The Sun Devils' first season in the Big 12 will be a true test, as they face a daunting conference schedule. Highlights include home matchups against perennial powerhouses Baylor, Houston, and Texas Tech, as well as a road trip to take on the blueblood of the Big 12, Kansas, on January 8th.Despite the challenges, Hurley and his team are embracing the opportunity to compete against the nation's elite. The Sun Devils' improved roster and experience should position them to handle the rigors of the Big 12 grind better than in previous seasons.

Women's Team Looks to Make a Mark

Alongside the men's team, the Arizona State women's basketball squad will also be making their Big 12 debut in the 2024-25 season. The Sun Devils' schedule features several high-profile matchups, including home games against Baylor and Iowa State, as well as road trips to Kansas and Oklahoma State.With a mix of returning talent and promising newcomers, the Arizona State women's team is poised to make their mark in the competitive Big 12 landscape.As the Sun Devils embark on this new chapter, the excitement and anticipation around the program are palpable. Fans in the Tempe area and beyond will have the opportunity to witness some of the nation's top men's and women's basketball programs take on Arizona State, making for a thrilling season of Sun Devil hoops.