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.
