One of the most rounded games of the season was played by Arizona State. Jesus Gomez was one of the most significant difference-makers in the game between West Virginia and the Sun Devils. The 5.10 freshman guard exhibited composure, command, and scoring capability far beyond his age. These abilities made him ASU's consistent player on both sides of the court.
Jesus Gomez ended with 13 points on an efficient 5-for-10 shooting, including 3-of-7 out of the arc, showing yet again that he can stretch the floor and take advantage of defensive missteps. The balance that he added to the offense made his performance even more impressive. Jesus Gomez did not always shoot. But he always made the correct read, ran, and got himself in the ideal position to take a shot.
Jesus Gomez contributed to the team through scoring, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal, which indicated that he was active on both defense and was ready to assist the team in various ways. The calmness he exhibited to control the situation at the critical moment was particularly evident in a match where the tide went in both directions.
The Sun Devils are still in the hunt for consistency, though Jesus Gomez's emergence is a welcome ray of hope to the young backcourt. Provided that he keeps developing at this pace, Arizona State might have discovered a long-term structural component, the one that will be able to define the team identity even through the season.