ASU Basketball: 2019 Pac-12 Tournament Roundtable
By Trevor Booth
How Far Will the Sun Devils Advance?
When Arizona State plays to its potential, there is no better team in the Pac-12. But, we’ve only seen the Sun Devils reach their ceiling a number of times. The program’s lack of past success in the conference tournament doesn’t bode well, but given the volatility of the league, I think this is the year that changes.
Bobby Hurley will take the floor with the most talented group he’s coached at ASU thus far. Aside from skill, this team is conditioned to not wear itself down over three days. This year, we see the Sun Devils playing on Saturday night for a Pac-12 championship. – Zach Pekale
Arizona State is in the midst of its best Pac-12 stretch, winning five of its last six games. However, that doesn’t negate how unpredictable this team is.
In January, we thought the Sun Devils turned the corner after beating Arizona and winning four of five. Then, they lost to Washington State. It will only take one slipup to kill momentum again.
That said, ASU does have the talent and a favorable path to win this tournament. At the least, I see the Sun Devils winning their quarterfinal matchup before falling in the semis, either to Utah or Oregon.
There, it will be a matter of those teams playing more desperate for a bid in the Big Dance. – Trevor Booth
As far as ASU’s path to the Pac-12 championship, it was given a relatively easy draw. First, the Sun Devils take on the winner of UCLA and Stanford – both of which have lost two in a row.
Then, Utah and Oregon stand in the way. Both of those teams have played well as of late and have more to play for than ASU.
Against those teams, ASU is 2-2 this year. And with the high stakes for the Utes and Ducks, the semifinals will be the endpoint for the Sun Devils’ 2019 Pac-12 Tournament campaign. – Carson Field