ASU Basketball: Injured players progress in exhibition win

A 104-76 exhibition win over Arizona Christian is not indicative of the season ASU basketball will have. But it provided clarity on the status of injuries.

Fashionably late appearances to the court are nothing new for forward Mickey Mitchell.

Following a transfer to Arizona State from Ohio State, he was unable to play until December per NCAA rules. Upon returning to the floor, the junior appeared in 24 games and averaged over 22 minutes per contest to help the Sun Devils reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2013-14 season.

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Expected to compete for playing time among a deep ASU roster that features the No. 11 recruiting class, according to 247Sports, Mitchell’s offseason was derailed by a back injury.

After doubt was expressed about the availability of Mitchell leading up to Tuesday night, the 6-foot-7 wing made his preseason debut. He logged two points, four rebounds and two assists in 11 minutes played.

“Mickey’s coming along quicker. His conditioning is getting better, he’s been injury free,” coach Bobby Hurley said. “For Mickey, it’s been five months of no basketball and like one week of basketball.”

“For him to even look as good as he looked … that was a pleasant surprise.”

Against ACU, Mitchell showed flashes of the player that was used as a spark off the bench a year ago. His aggressiveness on the offensive glass remains intact as well as elevated court vision.

Hurley anticipates he’ll return to form and regain his feel for the game over the next few weeks.

In addition to Mitchell, freshman Taeshon Cherry is also on the mend from a knee injury sustained toward the end of the summer, hindering the four-star recruit throughout the first few weeks of practice.

“He’s still working to get into shape,” Hurley said. “Those weeks he lost, he can’t get those back right now.”

But on Tuesday, Cherry appeared to make up for lost time.

He shot 70 percent from the field to finish with a team-high 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds. His 19 minutes were the most of any non-starter. Though the statistics were unofficial, Cherry’s performance grabbed the attention of at least one veteran teammate.

“I was impressed with him,” redshirt sophomore Romello White said. “I felt he played a great game today. He had good boards, good moves. I’m proud of him and I told him that too.”

While Cherry is not at 100 percent just yet, Hurley was attentive of his improvement. The Sun Devils’ head coach took note of Cherry’s offensive presence, specifically his ability to convert around the rim and a good shooting touch.

“This is as good as he’s looked since prior to his injury,” said Hurley.

Next. ASU Basketball: Kimani Lawrence ready for breakthrough season. dark

Both Mitchell and Cherry have another week to inch closer to being fully healthy before the Sun Devils open the regular season at home against Cal State Fullerton on November 6.

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