Amid a difficult opening schedule, the ASU men's basketball team is off to a strong start at 4-1, and a large part of the credit goes to the numerous newcomers who have played big roles so far. Both freshmen and transfers alike have been a featured part of head coach Bobby Hurley's rotation, with each new addition bringing a unique skill set.
Jayden Quaintance
The crown jewel of Hurley’s recruiting class, the 17-year-old Quaintance came into ASU as the No. 9 class of 2024 prospect in the country, per 247Sports. The 6'9" forward boasts a 7'3" wingspan and impressive athleticism, coordination and instinct for someone of his size.
"The ceiling is scary," Hurley said before the season. "You look at him and you think of a physical, rugged type of player that's going to play with his back to the basket. But he's more like a point guard than he is a center."
At 27 minutes per game, he's third on the team in minutes and leads the Sun Devils in rebounds and blocks per game, with 6.8 and 3.6 respectively. His 3.6 blocks per game ranks third in the country and is a visual representation of the freshman's defensive upside.
For all of Quaintance’s defensive highlights, the offensive end is an area for improvement. The 17-year-old has only attempted six three-pointers this season, cashing in just one, and has had a couple of head-scratching turnovers as well. After ASU's opener against Idaho State, Hurley acknowledged that Quaintance was "lost out there on offense," but gradual improvement from a player so young is expected.
Quaintance has started every game this season simultaneously showcasing flashes of brilliance and moments of inexperience that remind everyone he still cannot legally vote until next July.
Joson Sanon
Sanon originally committed to UA but later pivoted to join the Sun Devils as the No. 24 ranked prospect for his class, per 247Sports. Sanon is perhaps the best pure scorer on this roster. At 6'5", Sanon has a silky smooth jumper that is potent off the bounce and in catch-and-shoot situations.
Sanon has come off the bench in ASU's last two games and that move has led to the freshman having his best performances of the year, averaging 19.5 points per game on 61% shooting from the field and 67% from distance over that span.
Bringing Sanon off the bench as a de facto super sub has been a great decision so far. Sanon has been able to take over as the go-to scoring option in the second unit and is versatile enough to slot into the starting lineup if need be.
"(Coming off the bench) really doesn't matter. It's kind of the same, just go and play hard, help the team any way possible to win," Sanon said after his 21-point night vs. GCU.
The young wing gives ASU a consistent bucket-getter and as his game continues to round out, he could be brought back into the starting lineup.
Alston Mason
Perhaps ASU's most pivotal offseason acquisition has been Mason, a senior point guard. Mason leads the team in points at 13.2 per game on ultra-efficient 56/43/81 splits, but it’s his ability to set the table for the rest of the Sun Devils on offense that has been the most impressive.
Mason is only averaging three assists per game but he usually orchestrates the offense when on the court, especially in late-game situations. He is adept in isolation or pick-and-rolls and his experience has been vital in the starting lineup.
Mason's 53.3% shooting in the half-court ranks in the 89th percentile and his 66.7% field goal percentage in transition ranks in the 72nd percentile, which are major reasons why ASU is 33.1 points per 100 possessions better with him on the court vs. off the court.
Mason also has spent time against Big 12 opponents during his stint at Oklahoma from 2021-2022, which could be important later on during conference play.
"I've already had my experience in the Big 12 at Oklahoma, and I've seen what it's like," Mason said before the year. "So being able to take those games and take that over to here, I have some insight on what it would be like."
Basheer Jihad
Jihad has been another excellent veteran asset for Hurley as one of the Sun Devils' premier all-around players. He's a multi-level scorer who attacks the rim with finesse and power while using his length on the defensive end as a versatile big defender.
After a slow start, the Ball State transfer is averaging 19 points per game on 53.3% shooting over his past three contests. Jihad's penchant for getting to the line in particular has added another layer to ASU's offense.
In his last three games, the 6'9" forward has gone to the charity stripe 28 times and hit them at an 82% rate. During the same period, Jihad is pulling down seven rebounds per game, solidifying one of ASU's weaknesses from last year.
"Basheer has put together a heck of a couple of games for us, high-level games, in rebounding the ball, putting the ball in the basket ... get to the free throw line," Hurley said after the GCU victory. "It's nice as a coach to have someone to do so many things to impact quality offense and Basheer does that."
BJ Freeman
Freeman was another player who joined ASU through the transfer portal and has had a big role so far. The senior wing’s biggest strength is a lanky 6'6" frame that aids him when he's getting downhill and attacking the basket.
Even when he's not finishing at the rim, Freeman can create open threes by kicking out to shooters. He's played three games with three or more dimes this season and has given Hurley a secondary playmaker when he's on the floor. Recently, Hurley inserted Freeman into the starting lineup as a more traditional forward who can be aggressive offensively and a key defender.
Freeman has struggled with his efficiency; despite taking the most shots on the team, he's shooting just 36.5% from the field and 26.7% from downtown, but improvement in this aspect would enhance the Sun Devils' offense even more.
Amier Ali
Ali was another highly touted recruit as a 6'8" forward with high-end 3-and-D potential. Ali has only received around 13 minutes per game but in his limited exposure, he has touted an enticing skillset.
Ali is currently shooting 53.8% on treys and his large frame, combined with his quick feet, has allowed him to have an impact on both ends. His floor spacing in particular has spread out opposing defenses, creating driving lanes for teammates and giving the Sun Devils another weapon from deep.
Edited by Henry Smardo, Sophia Braccio and Madeline Schmitke.
Reach the reporter at pvallur2@asu.edu and follow @PrathamValluri on X.
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Pratham is a sophomore studying sports journalism with a minor in business. This is his second semester with The State Press.
