Start Talking About ASU Basketball | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Start Talking About ASU Basketball

The Sun Devils are set to be ranked in the top 10 for the first time in over 30 years.

80
Start Talking About ASU Basketball
Wikimedia

Check the headline. This Arizona State basketball team is easily the most impressive in my lifetime, if not double. A school whose basketball program hasn't been ranked in the top 10 since 1981, the Valley of the Sun is bursting with excitement. With that, I thought this would be the best time to go in-depth on what makes ASU basketball work so well. To me, four players and a coach have defined this team as of their major win over Kansas on the road today. Those guys are:

Shannon Evans II

One of three seniors that found themselves on to this list, Evans seems to be the least talked about of the three. Nonetheless, Evans has been a remarkable scorer this season, and has found a perfect role for himself alongside Tra Holder. He's averaging almost 19 points per game to go along with 4 rebound and 5 assists while shooting 43% from the field and from deep. While fantastic numbers on their own, these stats are jaw dropping because Evans is the second scoring option. When a team has two prolific scorers, you can always compete

Tra Holder

The other prolific scorer for the Sun Devils, Tra Holder is probably the best ASU guard since James Harden. Another senior, he's averaging a little over 20 points per game with 6 rebounds and 5 assists. He shoots 46% from the field, 45% from deep and 85% from the line. Holder is easily the best scorer I've watched this season. He's capable defensively with 1.6 steals per game, and he's a leader. As the face of the program currently, Holder knew he had to step it up this year in order for the team to succeed, and he definitely has. His improvement has been a major factor, and you could argue that the Sun Devils wouldn't be anywhere near where they are without him.

Kodi Justice

Another senior! Clearly there's a theme here. ASU is relying on plenty of 4 year players this year, and its working. Justice is the shooter for the Sun Devils, and he fits in perfectly with the Holder and Evans. Along with relying on seniors, ASU relies on guards to do the scoring. With that, Justice has filled in the small forward spot perfectly. 54% from the field and 46% from deep are exactly the type of numbers you need from someone playing next to two scorers like Evans and Holder.

Remy Martin

Remy Martin was by far the most impressive of any player on the court during today's win over the No. 2 ranked Kansas Jayhawks. He had 21 points, 5 steals and was an absolute pest on both sides of the ball. During ASU's huge 15-0 run that put them in the lead for good, he was easily the best player on the floor. Being the best player on the floor in Kansas is a ridiculous accomplishment for any player, but a freshman from Arizona State? Unheard of. Besides this, Remy's importance stems from the lack of true depth ASU has. They play 8 deep and expect quality minuted from the few that do manage to get off the bench. Remy has responded with almost 10 points a game on 51% shooting. Bobby Hurley couldn't ask for much more from his backup guard, but Remy Martin keeps showing that he can handle it.

Bobby Hurley

Bobby Hurley has been the best coach in the country so far this year. His free-flow, fast-paced style of play has created a monster out of ASU's offense. They average over 90 points a game, and put up 95 against the Jayhawks today. Speaking of the Jayhawks, Bobby Hurley lead ASU to arguably their best win in program history today. In the past 15 years, Kansas had lost 10 home games. Today was their 11th. You just don't go into Lawrence, Kansas and win. But, Bobby Hurley lead a team that was nowhere near being ranked in the preseason to an impossible win. There has been no coach better this season, and it's time for him and his Sun Devils to start getting the attention they deserve. Their is a legit top ten basketball team playing in Arizona, and they play in Tempe.



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190190
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14878
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457852
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26615
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments