Pac-10 Basketball Preview – Arizona State Sun Devils
State of the Program
Like almost every other Pac-10 team this season, Arizona State will be searching for a new identity. The Sun Devils enter the 2009-10 season without two of the best players in program history. G James Harden and F Jeff Pendergraph accounted for 34.6 PPG, 13.8 RPG, and 5.1 APG per game last season, but both are now in the NBA.
Will ASU be able to survive without the superstar duo? I believe the answer is yes for one simple reason: Herb Sendek. Sendek has proven that his Devils can compete against anyone because of a deliberate offense and meticulously crafted zone defense. Aside from Pendergraph and Harden, ASU returns every major contributor from last season’s NCAA Tournament team. The challenge this year will be incorporating a talented freshman recruiting class into Sendek’s complicated system.
While this ASU team won’t have an All-American guiding it, the squad appears to be deeper and more talented from top to bottom than it has been in quite some time. Sendek has raised the profile of the program with newfound exposure (NBA Draft picks, NCAA Tournament Birth, 3rd place finish in Pac-10, 2nd place finish in Pac-10 Tourney) and a brand new practice facility (Weatherup Center).
Impact Superstar: G Derek Glasser
Glasser may not fit the mold of a stereotypical “superstar”, but he is invaluable for Sendek’s Devils. The ultra-experienced senior had a breakout season in 2008-09, finishing with 8.8 PPG and 4.8 APG, while shooting 41% from three-point distance. Glasser was ASU’s best player in both the Pac-10 Tournament and NCAA Tourney, and he has proven throughout his career that he is capable of hitting clutch shots when his team needs them most.
The 6-1 point guard from Marina Del Rey (CA) will engineer Sendek’s offense for the fourth year in a row, and that means the Devils will rarely turn the ball over. Glasser is a true floor general, possessing keen instincts and an extremely high basketball IQ.
I have always respected Glasser’s game because of his great decision-making. In many ways, having him on the floor is like having Sendek out there, and his leadership will play a big role in the development of the younger players.
Needs To Have A Big Year: C Eric Boateng
The loss of Jeff Pendergraph means the frontcourt now belongs to Boateng. The 6-10 senior from London, England has been in the program for a few years now, but he has yet to meet the high expectations that were set for him when he transferred from Duke. Last season, Boateng averaged 1.6 PPG and 2.0 RPG in 8.2 minutes per game.
The Sun Devils are a guard-heavy lineup that shoots the ball very well, but none of it will matter if Boateng can’t establish himself in the post. Word out of Tempe is that Boateng has never looked better, and his presence of the offensive and defensive boards will be critical to the Devils success in 2009-10.
Potential Impact Newcomer: G Trent Lockett
G Demetrius Walker and F Victor Rudd have the potential to make an impact this season, but fellow freshman Trent Lockett is my choice because of his intangibles. Herb Sendek had this to say about Lockett at the team’s media day: “I love Trent Lockett, and as you get to know him, you will too. He’s an amazing young man. He’s the consummate gentleman. He’s the prototype for a student athlete. Athletically, he’s very gifted. He’s going to be really good for Arizona State in so many ways.”
Both Rivals and Socut.com rated the 6-5 guard from Minnetonka (MN) as a 4-star prospect. Lockett is an explosive athlete with tremendous leaping ability and deep three-point range. He will be counted on to help offset the loss of James Harden, and could work his way into a starting role at some point during the season.
My Take
Even in a rebuilding season, you can never count out a Herb Sendek-coached team. There’s no doubt the Devils have plenty of question marks, but I expect to see a fundamentally-sound team that will never beat itself. If some of last season’s key contributors play well in 2009-10 (Kuksiks, Abbott, McMillan), this ASU squad may surprise people.
My gut tells me the Devils will be held back by their frontcourt this season. It is still difficult to project how good Boateng will be, and if he is in foul trouble who will step up (Pateev, Rhode)?
In the end, I expect ASU to finish somewhere around 8-10 or 9-9 in the conference, but by 2010-11, Herb Sendek’s young Devils should make a lot of noise in the Pac-10.
Projected Pac-10 Finish: 7th Place
Arizona State Sun Devils
| 
Basketball, Demetrius Walker, Derek Glasser, Eric Boateng, Herb Sendek, Trent Lockett, Victor Rudd
I proud this article: Tennis, Highlight Sport, Highlight Soccer
Sick! Just received a brand-new Pearl and I can now read your weblog on my phone’s browser, it didn’t function on my previous 1.
Just lately, When i didn’t allow many thought to making reviews for webpage internet page content pieces and also have placed opinions actually a lot less. Reading through with the aid of ones own gratifying putting up, help you me as such usually.
I am so thankful for your time to post this kind of article. It is always educating to someones perspective. Maybe i should have a time to revisit and browse some of your post|blogs. Thumbs up for a great post!
Ive been meaning to read this and just never obtained a chance. Its an issue that Im very interested in, I just started reading and Im glad I did. Youre a terrific blogger, 1 of the most effective that Ive seen. This weblog certainly has some facts on topic that I just wasnt aware of. Thanks for bringing this stuff to light.
I used to be very pleased to search out this web-site.I wanted to thanks in your time for this excellent read!! I positively enjoying each little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you blog post.
hey, could not have said it better myself.
I used to be very happy to seek out this internet-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I undoubtedly enjoying each little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to check out new stuff you weblog post.
I’ve been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts in this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this web site. Studying this info So i am satisfied to express that I’ve a very just right uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most without a doubt will make sure to don’t disregard this website and provides it a glance on a constant.
Sarah N. Cleghorn~ The unfit die – the fit both live and thrive. Alas who say so They who do survive.
The next time I learn a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I imply, I do know it was my option to learn, but I truly thought youd have one thing fascinating to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about one thing that you would repair when you werent too busy looking for attention.
Is there more detail on this?
Now I am looking forward to your next post.
How is it that just anybody can write a blog and get as popular as this? Its not like youve said something extremely impressive –more like youve painted a pretty picture above an issue that you know nothing about! I dont want to sound mean, here. But do you truly think that you can get away with adding some quite pictures and not seriously say something?
Outstanding article it is definitely. My teacher has been searching for this info.
Can I simply say what a relief to find somebody who actually knows what theyre speaking about on the internet. You definitely know learn how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More individuals have to read this and perceive this aspect of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you undoubtedly have the gift.
hello, could not have said it better myself.