5. Arizona State Sun Devils
Despite a majority of the talent coming to Tempe arriving next season, the pieces that are here this season are more than enough to give the Sun Devils solid potential in the 2017-18 campaign.
WithTra HolderandShannon EvansII in the backcourt, the Sun Devils will have an experienced duo that will tire out opponents night after the night. The chemistry between the duo was evident at Pac-12 Media Day, as they constantly complimented each other and discussed how their games go hand-in-hand.
Joining Holder and Evans is sixth manKodi Justice, a combo guard who terrorized opposing defenses last season by shooting 42 percent from the three-point line. With the graduation ofTorian Graham, Justice will undoubtedly enter the starting lineup this year and help by opening lanes for Holder and Evans.
Despite the loss ofObinna Olekain the middle, the Devils welcome redshirt freshman Romello White. According to coach Hurley, he gives the Sun Devils a big man that can do it all.
“He’s very good on ball-screen rolls and finishing,” Hurleytoldazcentral “ You can pick-and-pop with him. He can drive. He can make the 17-footer and he can play with his back to the basket. He actually enjoys the contact and banging down there.”
To be fair, this year could be considered a warm-up for head coachBobby Hurley’s program to truly take over.Zylan CheathamandCarlton Bragg Jr.are eligble for ASU in 2018 as well as the signing of four-star recruits Luguentz Dort and Elias Valtonen.
However, this doesn’t mean the Sun Devils are a pushover this year. They’re going to compete, and with the culture being put in place, they’re going to surprise a lot of people.
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