ASU Basketball: Sun Devils’ 2018-19 Season in Review
By Trevor Booth
Most Impressive Player (Or Position)
Depleted of Tra Holder, Shannon Evans and Kodi Justice, the keys to the ‘Guard U’ tradition were handed solely to Remy Martin in his sophomore season. It’s safe to say he didn’t disappoint.
In 28 games, the 6-foot dynamo averaged 12.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and a team-high five assists. Martin was named to the All-Pac-12 Second Team at the conclusion of the season, averaging a league-best 6.2 assists in conference play while also leading in assist-to-turnover ratio.
Unfortunately, his production tailed off due to injuries at the beginning and end of the year. But his ability to take over — evident in 31 and 27-point outings against Arizona — didn’t go unnoticed. Not only did he become a lethal weapon, he became a leader and floor general, something that will carry over to his upperclassman seasons.
With Jaelen House set to arrive in Tempe this fall, Martin will switch from the mentee to the mentor. After what we saw this year, it’s expected that the future transition will be equally smooth. – TB
The Sun Devils were a versatile group with highly-talented players at each position. Yet, redshirt senior Zylan Cheatham, the team’s most boisterous and outgoing player, doubled as a calming presence.
On a given night, guards Luguentz Dort or Remy Martin could fill up a box score. But, it was Cheatham, the local standout, who would be calling out defensive assignments and communicating with Hurley.
That is, if he wasn’t too busy recording the second triple-double in ASU history or pulling down 20 rebounds in a game. His motor and sheer athleticism were impressive, but what stood out most was the way Cheatham was able to capture the hearts of Sun Devil fans around the Valley in one season.
He became an icon off the floor and gave himself a chance to reach the NBA on it. – ZP