SB Nation - Arizona St. Sun Devils

ASU Basketball Review After 10 Games

Cory Williams — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 22:52:44 -0000

So here is how our team looks after 10 games and a record of 7-3. As a unit, we are still developing, but I give a lot of credit to our freshmen (Lockett, Rudd, Walker) for playing well in the early going.

Most pleasant surprise: Trent Lockett. The young man plays the game well, going hard after every opportunity. He was proclaimed to be the best player on the court in the first half against Duke by the ESPN announcers before foul trouble took its toll.

Lockett needs to continue to play well in the OOC schedule to help him prepare for the increased level of competition found in Pac-10 play.

Biggest disappointment: Ty Abbott. After a resurgence in the Pac-10 Tournament last season, I thought Abbott was ready to become a significant piece of the Arizona State offense. Unfortunately, he has disappeared once again, with his latest effort against Delaware State (1-4 from the field, 5 points) providing little to inspire confidence.

What has happened, Ty? This could have been your team. In the end, it is clear that Derek Glasser is the leader and the galvanizer on this team.

What we are good at: Our team excels when the pace is moderate, giving us an opportunity to get back into our zone defense. Our clear lack of height has been exposed by taller teams this season. On the other side of the floor, Glasser can find his teammates off the dribble and if we can score 75 points and keep Lockett out of foul trouble, I am going to bet we will have won the game.

What we need to work on: Ball control from the big men. Eric Boateng, while better than advertised, has looked awfully sloppy with the ball. He is not someone I want taking a big shot late in the game (Baylor, anyone?) and he needs to work on passing the ball out of the post-up. He's not doing his team any favors by taking an off-kilter hook shot.

Last words: Herb Sendek is doing a good job of motivating his team. We haven't pulled any upsets yet, but the comeback victory against TCU and the solid victory over LSU lead me to believe that this is a middle-of-the-pack finisher in the Pac-10 (ranked between 4 and 7 by year's end).

			FG			3PT			FT			Rebounds			Misc
	G	M	M	A	Pct	M	A	Pct	M	A	Pct	Off	Def	Tot	Ast	TO	Stl	Blk	PF	PPG
Derek Glasser	10	31.7	3.7	7.6	48.7	1.6	3.2	50.0	4.1	4.7	87.2	0.1	2.0	2.1	5.6	1.8	1.0	0.2	0.9	13.1
Rihards Kuksiks	10	28.5	3.8	8.5	44.7	2.5	6.5	38.5	1.4	1.7	82.4	0.7	2.6	3.3	2.6	1.1	0.9	0.3	1.8	11.5
Eric Boateng	10	25.9	3.9	5.8	67.2	0.0	0.0	0.0	2.5	3.6	69.4	2.5	3.8	6.3	0.9	2.9	0.9	0.4	2.1	10.3
Trent Lockett	10	24.6	3.3	5.7	57.9	0.3	0.4	75.0	2.4	3.2	75.0	1.5	3.0	4.5	0.7	1.7	0.7	0.1	2.3	9.3
Jamelle McMillan	10	27.0	2.5	4.8	52.1	1.2	2.5	48.0	0.7	1.4	50.0	0.3	2.9	3.2	2.6	0.9	1.0	0.2	2.4	6.9
Ty Abbott	9	17.6	2.2	4.8	46.5	1.2	3.0	40.7	0.7	1.1	60.0	0.8	1.3	2.1	0.6	0.8	0.6	0.2	1.7	6.3
Demetrius Walker	8	12.4	1.4	4.4	31.4	0.4	1.3	30.0	1.5	2.3	66.7	0.0	1.6	1.6	0.8	0.9	0.4	0.0	1.4	4.6
Victor Rudd	5	7.8	1.4	2.8	50.0	0.6	2.0	30.0	1.0	1.6	62.5	0.2	1.6	1.8	0.0	0.4	0.0	0.6	1.2	4.4
Jerren Shipp	9	13.6	1.6	2.8	56.0	0.6	1.3	41.7	0.3	0.7	50.0	0.4	1.1	1.6	0.4	0.6	0.9	0.2	0.7	4.0
Taylor Rohde	9	9.6	1.3	2.4	54.5	0.0	0.3	0.0	1.3	2.0	66.7	0.7	1.0	1.7	0.1	0.4	0.2	0.0	1.2	4.0
Rusian Pateev	8	9.5	1.0	1.9	53.3	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.6	1.1	55.6	1.1	1.1	2.3	0.8	0.6	0.3	0.6	1.5	2.6
Brandon Thompson	7	3.6	0.3	0.4	66.7	0.3	0.4	66.7	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.1	0.1	0.3	0.4	0.4	0.0	0.3	0.9
Marcus Jackson	5	3.6	0.2	0.6	33.3	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.4	0.6	66.7	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.4	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.8

BYU Dismantles Arizona State, 81-68

Layton — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:26:46 -0000

More photos » by Patrick Smith - AP

5 days ago: BYU guard Jimmer Fredette (32) drives past two Arizona State defenders in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Patrick Smith)

Browse more photos »

"La vengeance se mange très-bien froide." - Marie Joseph Eugène, Mathilde

Tonight's win over Arizona State feels good after last season's loss in Tempe. In a way though, it also makes the loss to Utah State look worse... No matter, ASU is ASU (I don't care if Harden and Pendergraph are gone) and anytime a MWC team beats a Pac-10 opponent it's a very good thing. Let's hope the football team follows suit on the 22nd.

This was easily the Cougars' most impressive win thus far. Not only were they able to overcome shooting woes from Fredette (1 of 14...yikes!) and Tavernari (again...2 of 8), but it was their defense, especially in the first half, that dominated ASU. Anytime you give up just 8 assists while creating 12 turnovers - and only turn the ball over 6 times yourselves - you have a great chance of winning the game.

I'd put Tyler Haws up against any freshman swing-man in the country. Kid is a phenom: 17 points, 11 boards, and 6 broken hearts at Helaman Halls when he leaves on a mission (and counting...). His fellow Lone Peak alum wasn't too shabby either, Emery connected on five 3's and finished with 17 as well. Imagine if Fredette and/or Tavernari had shot decently...scary.

Though it's early in the season, with a lot of basketball to be played, the win should help boost BYU's seeding come tourney time in March and put them into the top 25 very soon.

The Cougars (7-1) travel to Fresno State Saturday to take on potential first-round draft pick Paul George and the Bulldogs.

(Arizona) East Valley Tribune Recap
AP Recap
Deseret News Recap
KSL Recap
MWC Connection Recap

Final - 12.8.2009	1	2	Total
Arizona St. Sun Devils	23	45	68
BYU Cougars	39	42	81

Complete Coverage >

BYU Gets Revenge While TCU Blows Halftime Lead

Jeremy Mauss — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 05:48:26 -0000

Final - 12.8.2009	1	2	Total
Arizona St. Sun Devils	23	45	68
BYU Cougars	39	42	81

Complete Coverage >

BYU got revenge over last years controversial call that overturned a buzzer beater tip in by the Sun Devils. BYU took off and never looked back in this game. Arizona State did stop BYU's Jimmer Freddette and held him to 1-14 shooting and only ten points, but the rest of the Cougars helped out by having three others score in double figures.

Neither team shot particularly well --both at 43 percent-- but the difference was the turnover margin that had BYU a plus six. BYU also won the rebounding 34-28 with eight second chance opportunities to ASU's three.

Final - 12.8.2009	1	2	Total
Texas Tech Red Raiders	36	44	80
TCU Horned Frogs	41	29	70

Complete Coverage >

The Horned Frogs stormed out of the gate with an early 14-4 lead and TCU was able to hang on to a five point lead at the half, and the game seemed to be somewhat in the hands of the Horned Frogs for an upset win over 23 ranked Texas Tech.

Then the second half started which saw the TCU lead shrink to a deficit and eventually a lose. The Horned Frogs were unable to keep their momentum going from the early first half, and showed while they have talent, but need to realize it is a 40 minute game.

TCU was lead in scoring by a monster night in Zyonko Buljan who had 24 points and 10 boards, but that was not enough as Tech shot over 50 percent from the field compared to TCU's 42 percent.

BYU vs. Arizona State and TCU vs. Texas Tech Preview and Open Thread

Jeremy Mauss — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:33:22 -0000

Wow that is a long title, but tonight are a pair of good games. Just hope TCU can hang close with Texas Tech who is fresh off a victory over Washington; while BYU wants revenge from last years controversy buzzer beater loss to Arizona State. So my preview crashed and I just found out, but TCU is doing good at the half by leading TCU.

Next Game

Texas Tech Red Raiders (8-0)
@ TCU Horned Frogs (5-3)

Tuesday, Dec 8, 2009, 4:30 PM PST
Daniel-Meyer Coliseum

TV: The Mtn

Complete Coverage >

Next Game

Arizona St. Sun Devils
@ BYU Cougars

Tuesday, Dec 8, 2009, 7:00 PM PST
Marriott Center

TV: The Mtn

Complete Coverage >

BYU is looking to avenge last year's reversal of a last second tip in that gave the victory to ASU. However, this years game is at the Marriott Center home of BYU and the Cougars hardly lose at home. The previous game for both squads was a loss with BYU losing to Utah State and Aarizona State falling to Baylor.

For ASU they must stop Jimmer Freddette which is exactly what Utah State did. Jimmer was able to get 19 points but it was on 5 for 15 shooting and six free throws. ASU will want Jonathan Tavernari and others to beat them and not Jimmer which will give them a good chance to win.

ASU has four scorers who average 9.5 to 14 points per game with any of them able to go off for 20 points per game, so BYU will need to stop that one from blowing up. The Cougar defense is very good and gives up just over 50 per game, well so does Arizona State.

This game will come down to who can make a defensive stop.

Big 12 / Pac-10 Hardwood Series Tally - Weekend Edition

Evan Pfaff — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:15:09 -0000

Big 12 Pac-10 Hardwood Series (Photo courtesy big12sports.com)

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This count will be updated at the completion of each game of the Big 12 / Pac-10 Hardwood Series this weekend. Feel free to comment on any game.

Official Tally

Big 12 - 8

Pac 10 - 2

UPDATE: Big XII Wins Big 12/Pac-10 Hardwood Series!

Game dates, times and recaps listed below the Jump

(All times Central)

Sunday, November 29

Nebraska - 51
USC - 48
Recap

Thursday's Games

Texas Tech - 99
(12) Washington - 92
OVERTIME
Recap

(2) Texas - 69
USC - 50
Recap

Baylor - 64
Arizona State - 61
Recap

Friday's Games

Oregon State - 74
Colorado - 69
Recap

Saturday's Games

Missouri - 106
Oregon - 69
Recap

Kansas St.- 86
Washington State - 69
Recap

California - 82
Iowa St. - 63
Recap

Sunday's Games

Kansas - 73
UCLA - 61
Recap

Oklahoma 79
Arizona 62
Recap

Wednesday, December 16 Games

Oklahoma St at Stanford - 10pm

Tuesday, December 22 Games

Texas A&M at Washington - 10pm

Poll

Which is true?

RPI WATCH: 12/04/09

BracketCat — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 06:00:22 -0000

by Charlie Riedel - AP

On Saturday, the Big 12/Pac-10 Hardwood Series comes to Manhattan. Are the Wildcats ready to battle for victory? (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

View full size photo »

The Big 12 finished Thursday night with a 4-0 advantage in the Big 12/Pac-10 Hardwood Series.

Of course, it's more like an unofficial 5-0 advantage since Texas Tech beat Oregon State earlier this year.

Meanwhile, several of our non-cons did us no favors by losing their conference openers — some by fairly large margins.

To see how everyone fared, click the jump.

If for some reason you absolutely need to know up-to-date numbers, I get them here.

Current Kansas State RPI = 11

Current Kansas State SOS = 14

Great Wins (RPI 1-50) = Loyola, Dayton

Solid Wins (RPI 51-100) = IUPUI

Bad Losses (RPI 100 or greater) = none

Loyola (4-2, 0-1) | RPI = 28: Loss at UWGB (90-69)
Western Illinois (3-4, 0-1) | RPI = 205: Loss to NDSU (60-55)
Boston (2-6) | RPI = 162
Ole Miss (6-1) | RPI = 39
Dayton (4-2) | RPI = 46
IUPUI (6-2, 1-0) | RPI = 63: Win over SDSU (79-57)
FHSU (4-1)
Washington State (6-1) | RPI = 112
Xavier (4-2) | RPI = 114
No. 24 UNLV (6-0) | RPI = 5
Alabama (5-2) | RPI = 52
UAPB (0-5) | RPI = 229
Cleveland State (3-5, 0-1) | RPI = 208: Loss at Wright State (73-64)
South Dakota (5-3) | RPI = 143
Missouri (4-2) | RPI = 107
No. 19 Texas A&M (6-1) | RPI = 8
Colorado (5-2) | RPI = 181
No. 2 Texas (6-0) | RPI = 2: Win over USC (69-50)
Oklahoma State (6-1) | RPI = 18
Baylor (7-1) | RPI = 105: Win at Arizona State (64-61)
No. 1 Kansas (6-0) | RPI = 38
Nebraska (5-1) | RPI = 81
Iowa State (6-2) | RPI = 148
Oklahoma (4-3) | RPI = 206
Texas Tech (8-0) | RPI = 42: Win over No. 12 Washington (99-92 in overtime)

Big 12 / Pac-10 Hardwood Series Tally - Friday Edition

Evan Pfaff — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:15:08 -0000

Big 12 Pac 10 Hardwood Series (Photo courtesy big12sports.com)

View full size photo »

This count will be updated at the completion of each game of the Big 12 / Pac-10 Hardwood Series this weekend. Feel free to comment on any game.

Official Tally

Big 12 - 8

Pac 10 - 2

Game dates, times and recaps listed below the Jump

(All times Central)

Sunday, November 29

Nebraska - 51
USC - 48
Recap

Thursday's Games

Texas Tech - 99
(12) Washington - 92
OVERTIME
Recap

(2) Texas - 69
USC - 50
Recap

Baylor - 64
Arizona State - 61
Recap

Friday's Games

Oregon State - 74
Colorado - 69
Recap

Saturday's Games

Missouri - 106
Oregon - 69
Recap

Kansas St.- 86
Washington State - 69
Recap

California - 82
Iowa St. - 63
Recap

Sunday's Games

Kansas - 73
UCLA - 61
Recap

Oklahoma 79
Arizona 62
Recap

Wednesday, December 16 Games

Oklahoma St at Stanford - 10pm

Tuesday, December 22 Games

Texas A&M at Washington - 10pm

Poll

When will the Pac 10 win their first game of the Big 12/Pac 10 Hardwood Series?

Big 12 / Pac-10 Hardwood Series Tally - Thursday Edition

Evan Pfaff — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:30:48 -0000

Big 12 Pac 10 Hardwood Series (Photo courtesy big12sports.com)

View full size photo »

This count will be updated at the completion of each game of the Big 12 / Pac-10 Hardwood Series this weekend. Feel free to comment on any game.

Official Tally

Big 12 - 8

Pac 10 - 2

Game dates, times and recaps listed below the Jump

(All times Central)

Sunday, November 29

Nebraska - 51
USC - 48
Recap

Thursday's Games

Texas Tech - 99
(12) Washington - 92
OVERTIME
Recap

(2) Texas - 69
USC - 50
Recap

Baylor - 64
Arizona State - 61
Recap

Friday's Games

Oregon State - 74
Colorado - 69
Recap

Saturday's Games

Missouri - 106
Oregon - 69
Recap

Kansas St.- 86
Washington State - 69
Recap

California - 82
Iowa St. - 63
Recap

Sunday's Games

Kansas - 73
UCLA - 61
Recap

Oklahoma 79
Arizona 62
Recap

Wednesday, December 16 Games

Oklahoma St at Stanford - 10pm

Tuesday, December 22 Games

Texas A&M at Washington - 10pm

Poll

Who will win more games in the series?

Pac-10 Weekly Wrap - Washington stays on top

Nuss — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 06:47:53 -0000

Welcome to the latest edition of the 2009-2010 Pac-10 Weekly Wrap, which looks at the state of the conference's hoops featuring my personal power rankings and analysis of the state of each team. It's a day late (we'll usually do it on Monday), but hopefully worth the wait.

The last week was better for the conference than the first couple, but not by a whole lot. On to the rankings and recaps. Guess who's climbing the charts?

1. Washington

Rank last week: 1
Record: 5-0

Nine days between games made for a rusty Washington team against Montana, their only game of the week. The Huskies escaped the Griz with a four-point win after trailing much of the game. I wouldn't read too much into this game, as Montana is a pretty decent Big Sky team with some nice talent.

Bright spot: The Huskies absolutely shut down Montana's best player, Anthony Johnson. He's a Pac-10 talent, and that should be as encouraging as anything. They nearly let the other guys beat them but that can be tightened up. This team still has the potential to be very good defensively.

Question mark: Who is going to lead this team? Quincy Pondexter looked superb through the first four games, but disappeared against Montana's zone. If he wants to be the man, he's got to assert himself in all situations. That's something they've got to sort out before Pac-10 play.

2. California

Rank last week: 2
Record: 4-2

I guess there's really no reason to move them down, given the results: a pair of blowout wins over terrible competition. But I did consider moving them down because Harper Kamp is likely to miss the rest of this season, and Theo Robertson is still on the shelf. This week will tell us a lot -- they really ought to handle New Mexico, Iowa State and Pacific pretty easily if they're as good as everyone wants to think they should be. We'll see.

Bright spot: Despite the loss of Kamp and with a woefully thin front line, the Bears have been one of the best defensive rebounding teams in the country. Hard to believe that didn't make more of a difference against Syracuse and Ohio State. One has to think it'll start making a difference soon.

Question mark: What in the world is their front line rotation going to look like the rest of this season without Kamp? That'll be a huge issue.

3. Arizona State

Rank last week: 3
Record: 6-1

Close loss to Duke combined with two decisive wins -- over a depleted LSU and Arkansas Pine Bluff -- all away from home solidify the Sun Devils as the third best team. However, I'm not sold they can stay here. They were eventually overwhelmed by the Blue Devils' talent, and their win over the Tigers had as much to do with LSU running out of gas as anything else.

Bright spot: The Sun Devils are proving that there still is some talent left in the wake of the departures of James Harden and Jeff Pendergraph. Derek Glasser has been especially impressive -- not bad for a guy who was originally supposed to be a walk-on at USC.

Question mark: Just because there's still talent doesn't mean everyone has been replaced. The Devils have been one of the worst defensive rebounding teams in the country so far, even giving up 44.5(!) percent offensive rebounding to Arkansas Pine Bluff. Yeow.

4. Washington State

Rank last week: 5
Record: 6-0

How far can Klay Thompson carry the Cougs? That will likely be the question going forward. The Cougs face their toughest stretch of the early season, including trips to The Kennel and Manhattan, Kan.. This will either be a big boost to the team, or put them in a postseason hole they'll spend all season digging out of.

Bright spot: Did you know that Reggie Moore has a 133 offensive rating? That's really, really good. He is just simply not playing like a freshman.

Question mark: What's going to happen on a night when the other team takes Klay away? Who will score? There are options, but nothing proven. We might find out tomorrow night.

5. Arizona

Preseason rank: 4
Record: 3-2

Wisconsin and Vandy are both good teams the Wildcats lost to last week, but they needed overtime to beat Colorado. Could have been a really bad trip to Maui without the win over the Buffs. When we say the Cougs will go as far as Klay Thompson can take them, we could say the same about Nic Wise and the Wildcasts.

Bright spot: Wise looks as if he desires to be the man for UofA. Good thing, because it's a young team that needs a strong leader.

Question mark: The Wildcats gave up an absurd amount of free throws in Maui. Aberration, or sign of things to come?

6. Oregon

Preseason rank: 7
Record: 4-2

Think this is too high after losing back-to-back games against Portland and Montana? That loss to the Pilots doesn't look nearly as bad anymore, and the loss to Montana might not either after the Griz nearly beat Washington, too. Obliterating Montana State was good.

Bright spot: Michael Dunigan is back. The Ducks really need him, and are going to continue to need him. He provides an advantage up front in a a conference more or less devoid of big men.

Question mark: The Ducks play three games in two weeks. Can they stay sharp, especially with upcoming games against quality opponents such as Missouri and St. Mary's on the docket. For the second year in a row, it looks like the Ducks might be a victim of scheduling too aggressively.

7. Stanford

Preseason rank: 8
Record: 4-3

Beat Virginia -- we don't have to tell you how far that goes in these parts -- and take Kentucky to overtime? Perhaps we underestimated Johnny Dawkins and his merry band of scholars.

Bright spot: The Cardinal have the same thing going for them that the Cougs do -- a great scorer who can explode on any given night. Landry Fields is averaging 23 points and 9 rebounds. That's good.

Question mark: We're still not sure we actually believe the Cardinal are for real. Can their nonexistent front line really be that small of a factor.

8. Oregon State

Rank last week: 10
Record: 2-3

After the public flogging we gave the Beavers last week, they came up with a nice win over George Washington. Nice job for OSU.

Bright spot: They survived yet another horrible offensive performance to beat GW. This is going to be a constant struggle for the Beavers all year long.

Question mark: Three of the Beavers' five games have been played at 68 possessions or more. What the heck? That's way, way too fast for that team. Perhaps some of their problems come from that.

9. USC

Preseason rank: 9
Record: 2-2

Beat Coppin State, lose to Nebraska. Not a lot to learn here again.

Bright spot: The Trojans are still shooting the ball well -- 28th nationally in 3-point percentage.

Question mark: For as well as they're shooting the ball, they're dead in opponent 3-point field goal percentage.

10. UCLA

Preseason rank: 6
Record: 2-4

What the heck is going on in Westwood? Can't win a game in your own tournament? Your starting center is transferring? Wowzer. If Ben Howland squeezes a berth out of these guys, it'll be considered his greatest coaching acheivement.

Bright spot: They beat Princeton. Yay!

Question mark: Too many to count. Way too many.

RPI WATCH: 12/01/09

BracketCat — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 06:00:15 -0000

by Charlie Riedel - AP

I don't think anyone was happy about Tuesday night's performance — least of all this guy. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

View full size photo »

Well, that was an ugly-ass game.

I'm going to try to take my mind off it by salivating over our ever-higher RPI and SOS. Especially since the losing could start in earnest shortly if this team doesn't get it into gear quickly. Might as well enjoy 6-1 while we can, I guess.

To see what our opponents did Monday, click the jump.

If for some reason you absolutely need to know up-to-date numbers, I get them here.

Current Kansas State RPI = 14

Current Kansas State SOS = 24

Great Wins (RPI 1-50) = Loyola, Dayton

Solid Wins (RPI 51-100) = IUPUI

Bad Losses (RPI 100 or greater) = none

Loyola (4-1) | RPI = 27
Western Illinois (3-3) | RPI = 207
Boston (2-5) | RPI = 142
Ole Miss (5-1) | RPI = 49
Dayton (3-2) | RPI = 42
IUPUI (5-2) | RPI = 84
FHSU (4-0): Win over Newman (77-48)
Washington State (6-0) | RPI = 146
Xavier (4-2) | RPI = 114
UNLV (5-0) | RPI = 8
Alabama (4-2) | RPI = 109
UAPB (0-5) | RPI = 229: Loss to Arizona State (74-57)
Cleveland State (3-4) | RPI = 191
South Dakota (4-3) | RPI = 95
Missouri (4-1) | RPI = 96
Texas A&M (5-1) | RPI = 21
Colorado (4-2) | RPI = 127
No. 3 Texas (5-0) | RPI = 3
Oklahoma State (5-0) | RPI = 16
Baylor (6-1) | RPI = 160
No. 1 Kansas (5-0) | RPI = 52
Nebraska (4-1) | RPI = 178
Iowa State (6-1) | RPI = 161
No. 25 Oklahoma (3-3) | RPI = 214
Texas Tech (7-0) | RPI = 48