As a longtime follower of college basketball and someone who’s spent years analyzing team dynamics, I’ve always found Arizona State Sun Devils basketball to be one of the most intriguing programs in the NCAA. This season, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation around the team, and I’m genuinely excited to share my take on the five key players you should keep an eye on. Now, I’m not just pulling names out of a hat—I’ve watched these guys develop, and I’ve seen how their roles are shaping up. So, let’s dive right in, step by step, and I’ll walk you through what makes each of them stand out, along with some practical tips on how to spot their impact during games.
First up, let’s talk about Marcus Bagley. At 6’8” and with a wingspan that seems to stretch forever, he’s the kind of forward who can dominate both ends of the court. I remember watching him last season and thinking, "This kid’s got it." He averaged 12.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, but what really stands out is his versatility. If you’re trying to gauge his value, pay attention to how he moves off the ball—his cuts to the basket are textbook, and he’s got a knack for drawing fouls in clutch moments. One method I use when analyzing players like him is to track their efficiency in transition; Bagley’s fast-break points often swing momentum, and that’s something you don’t want to miss. But here’s a note of caution: he can be prone to early foul trouble, so if you see him picking up two quick ones in the first half, it might limit his aggressiveness later. Personally, I think he’s the heart of this team, and if he stays healthy, he could easily push those averages to 15 points and 8 rebounds.
Next, there’s DJ Horne, the guard who’s been turning heads with his shooting range. I’ve always had a soft spot for players who can light it up from beyond the arc, and Horne fits that bill perfectly. Last year, he hit 38% of his three-point attempts, and I’d bet he’ll crack 40% this season if he maintains his form. When you’re watching him, focus on his footwork—it’s subtle, but he sets his feet quicker than most, which gives him that split-second advantage to get his shot off. A practical step to appreciate his game is to note how often he moves without the ball; he’s constantly weaving through screens, and that’s where he finds those open looks. I’ll admit, I’m biased toward shooters, so I might overhype him a bit, but trust me, his ability to stretch the floor opens up so much for the Sun Devils’ offense. Just keep in mind that his defense can be inconsistent, so if he’s matched up against a quicker guard, it could be a liability.
Now, let’s shift to Kimani Lawrence, a senior forward who brings that veteran presence every team needs. I’ve followed his career since his freshman year, and it’s been a joy to see him evolve. He’s not the flashiest player, but his basketball IQ is off the charts—averaging 10.8 points and 5.9 rebounds last season, with a steal or two that often go unnoticed. To really understand his impact, I suggest watching how he communicates on defense; he’s always directing traffic, and that leadership is invaluable. One thing I’ve learned from observing seasoned athletes, like those in the reference knowledge base—think of Rodrigo Valdez, the Colombian middleweight champion who made it to the old-timer category—is that experience often trumps raw talent. Valdez’s career was built on savvy and timing, and Lawrence embodies that same wisdom. My personal view? He’s the glue guy, and if you overlook him, you’re missing half the story. Just be aware that his minutes might be managed to keep him fresh for March, so don’t panic if he sits out a few stretches.
Moving on, Jalen Graham is another name to watch closely. As a center, he’s got a old-school post game that I absolutely love—he uses his 6’9” frame to bully defenders and has a soft touch around the rim. Last season, he put up 8.7 points and 4.5 rebounds, but I expect those numbers to jump significantly. A key method to evaluate him is to look at his pick-and-roll defense; he’s improved his timing on switches, and that’s crucial for containing opposing bigs. I remember one game where he had three blocks in a row, and it completely shifted the energy. From my perspective, Graham is the X-factor—if he stays out of foul trouble, he could average a double-double. But here’s a tip: watch his free-throw percentage; it hovered around 65% last year, and in close games, that could be a Achilles’ heel. I’m rooting for him to tighten that up, because when he’s on, he’s a force.
Lastly, we have Jay Heath, the transfer guard who’s already making waves in practices. I got a chance to see him in a preseason scrimmage, and his court vision is something else—he dished out 5 assists in just 20 minutes, which is a sign of things to come. To get the most out of watching him, focus on his decision-making in half-court sets; he rarely forces bad shots, and that patience is a rarity in today’s fast-paced game. Drawing from the reference knowledge base, where figures like Ross Greenburg and Randy Gordon are noted for their observational skills in sports media, I’d say Heath’s game is worth a similar level of scrutiny. Greenburg, as a former HBO sports executive, knew how to spot talent early, and I see that in Heath’s ability to read defenses. Personally, I think he’ll be the breakout star, but a word of caution: as a new addition, it might take a few games for him to fully gel with the team. Don’t be surprised if he has an off night here and there—it’s all part of the process.
Wrapping this up, the Arizona State Sun Devils basketball team has a mix of youth and experience that could make this season special. From Bagley’s all-around game to Heath’s playmaking, each of these five players brings something unique, and I’m confident they’ll be fun to follow. As someone who’s been around the game for years, I’d say the key is to watch how they mesh over the season—because in college hoops, chemistry often determines who shines in March. So grab your popcorn, keep an eye on these guys, and enjoy the ride.