ASU Sun Devils In Profile: Jordan Bachynski

For Arizona State men’s basketball fans, he’s the guy you can’t overlook. Maybe it’s his height (7’2″), the long flowing mane, or his intense stare. Regardless, Jordan Bachynski is fast becoming a household name in the Pac-12 conference. And for good reason.

Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Bachynski is used to the cold — and is gaining a reputation for putting Sun Devil opponents on ice. Defense is Bachynski’s specialty: In the 18 Pac-12 games in 2011-12, he averaged 1.67 blocks per game. Only Colorado’s Andre Roberson (2.33) and Oregon State’s Eric Morland (2.06) blocked more. Bachynski blocked 30 shots in the 18 league games. He posted 26 blocks in the final 13 games of the season.

“Anytime you have a shot blocker like that, it’s not just the ones he gets, the opponent can’t help but start thinking about it a little bit,” ASU coach Herb Sendek said. “He’s also changing some other shots as well.”

During the 2012-2013 campaign, Bachynski has worked hard on polishing his offensive skills. He’s contributed to recent Sun Devil victories with punishing dunks and an improving hook shot. Indeed, Bachynski is steadily progressing into a skilled all-around player. On December 8 in a game against Cal State-Northridge, he recorded ASU’s first-ever triple-double — a feat not achieved by former Sun Devil greats such as Fat Lever, Byron Scott and Joe Caldwell. Bachynski posted 13 points, 12 rebounds and a school-record 12 blocked shots to lead ASU to an 87-76 win at Wells Fargo Arena.

Off the court, Bachynski leads an intriguing life. Fluent in Spanish and a huge soccer fan and a reader of Gandhi, his spare time consists of following the exploits of fellow Canadian hoopster Steve Nash of the Los Angeles Lakers and watching UFC bouts. He also enjoys eating baliadas (Honduran tortillas with cream, cheese, beef and beans).

Oh, and no matter where he goes, Bachynski is always careful to avoid his greatest nemesis — ceiling fans!