The Arizona State men’s basketball team is poised to begin its season tonight, hosting Southern Utah in Tempe. This marks the start of the 11th season under head coach Bobby Hurley and the second season in the Big 12 Conference. The game is set to take place at the Desert Financial Arena at 19:00 MST, and will be broadcast on ESPN+ and 620 AM.
Key Player Decisions Ahead of the Opener
A significant focus for the Sun Devils will be determining their starting lineup. Moe Odum, the point guard, and center Massamba Diop are expected to secure their positions in the starting five. However, injuries to potential starters Vijay Wallace and Noah Meeusen have left the remaining spots uncertain. Marcus Adams Jr. and Allen Mukeba are strong candidates to start at forward, but their recent recovery from injuries complicates the situation further.
The shooting guard position also remains a topic of interest, with Anthony “Pig” Johnson making his debut after leading the NAIA in scoring last season. Johnson impressed in the final exhibition game against Texas A&M, scoring 27 points and showcasing his versatility on the court. His competition for the starting spot includes transfer Adante Holiman, who also has the potential to contribute significantly.
Defensive Strategies to Watch
Defensively, Arizona State will rely on Odum’s skills, especially his ability to disrupt opposing offenses through effective on-ball defense and intercepting passes. Diop’s performance will be closely monitored as he steps into the center role, aiming to fill the gap left by Jayden Quaintance. While Diop may not possess the same level of dominance, he brings a promising upside. Mukeba adds physicality to the lineup, but the team’s bench raises concerns regarding size and defensive capabilities.
As the game approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Sun Devils will adapt their defensive strategies. The cohesiveness of the team will be essential, especially with only one returning player, Trevor Best, from last season.
Prediction: Arizona State is favored to win based on their home-court advantage and the depth of talent on the roster, despite the challenges posed by injuries. As the team continues to gel, a decisive victory is anticipated as they look to build momentum early in the season.
For those wishing to follow the ongoing coverage of the Arizona State men’s basketball team, updates can be found on their official social media channels.
