Freshman center Massamba Diop has made a significant impact in his inaugural season, emerging as one of the standout freshmen in the nation. Through just four games, he is averaging 14.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game while playing only 29 minutes on average. Diop also leads the team with seven blocks and is second in steals with six, all while maintaining a commendably low total of four personal fouls.
Arizona State’s bench has also proven to be a crucial asset this season, with players like Allen Mukeba and Pig Johnson both reaching double figures in scoring in two of their first four games. The addition of Noah Meeusen has only amplified Bobby Hurley’s already formidable reserves, as they have outscored opponents by a substantial margin of 94-69 in bench points this season.
Transition play has been a hallmark of the Sun Devils’ strategy. They are currently one of the top teams in the country in fast-break scoring, exceeding 20 points in transition in three of their first four games. Averaging 21.3 fast-break points, Arizona State has displayed impressive speed and agility on the court, highlighted by a dominant 27-5 margin in transition against Georgia State.
Santiago Trouet, a redshirt sophomore forward who transferred from San Diego, has seamlessly integrated into the team. Notable for his performance against No. 19 Gonzaga, Trouet recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, along with two blocks. He has already tallied two double-doubles this season, marking a rare accomplishment for the Sun Devils, as only two players achieved that feat last year.
Defensively, Arizona State has excelled in limiting three-point shooting against their opponents, allowing only 28 baskets from beyond the arc out of 111 attempts, which translates to a meager 27.7% success rate.
The starting backcourt has also showcased their shooting prowess from deep. Moe Odum and Bryce Ford boast a combined shooting percentage of 44.4% from three-point range, with Ford leading at 50% and Odum also exceeding the 40% mark.
The Sun Devils have a challenging upcoming schedule, including matchups against several ranked teams as they face a total of eight opponents currently in the AP Top-25. Coach Bobby Hurley’s efforts to schedule tough competition continue to challenge his team while helping them prepare for the rigors of the season.
Statistics indicate that Arizona State could face five road games against teams ranked in the top 16 of the AP Preseason Poll. Their commitment to playing strong competition is evident as they look forward to engaging in the Maui Invitational along with important non-conference games against top-tier programs.
The Sun Devils’ roster features international talent, with players from seven different countries, enriching the team’s diversity and bringing varying styles of play to the court.
As the season progresses, fans can expect an exciting mix of young talent, experienced play, and strong coaching as Arizona State aims for continued success and an impressive showing in the NCAA tournament.