ASU Basketball: Cheatham, Lake leave their mark in brief tenure

Ahead of their final home game, ASU basketball seniors Zylan Cheatham and De’Quon Lake reflect on their time with the program and the mark they’ve made.

When Zylan Cheatham enters a room, all eyes are locked on the redshirt senior. Between an infectious smile and a boisterous personality, his ability to command an audience is unmatched.

It almost makes you forget this is his first and only season playing for Arizona State.

A Phoenix native, Cheatham was recruited by ASU in high school before committing to San Diego State. But, when Hall of Fame coach Steve Fisher retired in April 2017, Cheatham saw an opportunity.

A chance to write the final chapter of his story elsewhere. A chance to help a program on the rise.

He announced his intention to transfer just four days after Fisher’s announcement, committing to coach Bobby Hurley and the Sun Devils for his last season of eligibility.

Due to NCAA transfer rules, Cheatham sat out the 2017-18 season, which culminated in the Sun Devils returning to the NCAA Tournament.

Following the departures of senior guards Tra Holder, Shannon Evans II and Kodi Justice, he’s made a seamless transition into the role of a vocal leader as well as one of the more multifaceted players in the Pac-12.

Though his identity as a defensive stopper has remained intact, Cheatham’s versatility extends to his capability to rebound, distribute and, at times, score.

He leads the conference in rebounds per game (10.7), exceeding double digits in 15 contests, including two appearances with at least 20 boards. A phenom on the glass, Cheatham’s also scored in double figures 18 times and picked up five or more assists in eight games.

On Dec. 1, he recorded the second triple-double in program history. Today, he’s one of two players nationally to average a double-double and three assists.

Unlike Cheatham, senior De’Quon Lake doesn’t have gaudy numbers in a box score or a presence that easily captivates the attention of others.

In common, both experienced an abbreviated tenure at ASU.

“I just want people to remember me as the guy. Quiet, good guy,” Lake said. “Always trying to bring something better to the team, [be] an uplifter for the team.”

The 6-foot-10 forward arrived in Tempe from Iowa Western Community College by way of the Virgin Islands. Reserved in nature, Lake lets his play do most of the talking.

And while he wants to be thought of as quiet, his athleticism will be remembered as cause for thousands of fans screaming, rising to their feet after a thunderous dunk or electrifying block.

From his first game, a 24-point, eight-rebound, three-block performance against Idaho State to now, Lake has kept fans on their edge of their seats in anticipation of his next big highlight.

The two seniors have one final opportunity to captivate the crowd at Wells Fargo Arena on Sunday against California.

“Unbelievable journey it’s been,” said Cheatham. “All great things come to an end.”

All quotes in this article were obtained firsthand by Devils in Detail unless otherwise noted.