Adam Miller is set to return to Tempe for a matchup against Arizona State, a team he previously played for under head coach Bobby Hurley from 2023 to 2025. As preparations for the non-conference clash on Friday night unfold, speculation arises about whether Miller has been sharing insights into Hurley’s strategies.
“It’s gonna be weird seeing him in a different jersey. He gave the program everything he had, never cheated us of anything. Always rooting for him,” commented Hurley about Miller.
Arizona State’s senior guard Moe Odum is also gearing up for this encounter, bringing experience from his previous stints at Pacific and Pepperdine. Last season, Odum faced off against Gonzaga while playing for the Waves, where he impressed with 24 points and eight assists in a close game that ended 89-82. Currently, he leads the Sun Devils with an average of seven assists per game.
Leading up to the game, Hurley expressed concern about his team’s performance in their last outing against Utah Tech, where they emerged victorious with an 81-66 scoreline. He cautioned that against Gonzaga, there is little room for error. “We didn’t show a lot of maturity being up (by 23) … If we do that for like 90 seconds against Gonzaga, we’re gonna have very little chance to win,” Hurley stated.
A standout player to watch is Arizona State’s freshman center Massamba Diop. Standing at 7-1 with a 7-3 wingspan, Diop has made a strong impression in his first two games, averaging 16 points on 65% shooting, alongside 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals. His impressive skill set allows him to stretch the floor, having already made his first two career three-pointers. A matchup against Gonzaga’s Graham Ike will undoubtedly be a thrilling spectacle.
On the other side, Gonzaga’s strengths lie in their defense and frontcourt dominance. Tyon Grant-Foster’s tenacity on defense has helped limit opponents to tough looks, while Jalen Warley leads the team with 2.3 steals per game. As a unit, Gonzaga ranks 21st nationally in field goal percentage defense, holding opponents to 33.7%.
Gonzaga’s powerful frontcourt duo of Graham Ike and Braden Huff is also critical to their strategy, combining for an impressive 31 points and 17 rebounds per game. Their ability to control the paint will pose challenges for the Sun Devils’ defense.
To enhance their game, the Zags aim to maintain an up-tempo style, with an emphasis on ball movement. Sharing the ball effectively, Gonzaga averages 20 assists per game, ranking them among the top teams in the NCAA.
As for betting odds, Gonzaga is favored by 12.5 points, while the moneyline stands at -880 for the Zags and +580 for the Sun Devils. With both teams showcasing commendable strengths and strategic playstyles, a competitive matchup is anticipated at the Orleans Arena.
This game not only marks Miller’s emotional return but also showcases a blend of new talent and experienced players on both sides, retaining the essence of competitive collegiate basketball.