Beginning Monday, June 21st, 2004 CHN began unveiling 144 Team previews in 144 Days. CHN ranked the nations top 144 teams, and is unveiling one per day leading up until the opening day of the 2004-05 Season.

Bookmark the 144 Teams in 144 Days home page, and check back each day to see which team is previewed next.

#127 Arizona State Sun Devils

Pac 10

 2003-04: 10-17, 4-14, 10^th

2003-04 postseason: none

By Joel Welser

Nobody expected such a poor season from the Sun Devils last year.  It is hard to tell what they can do this year with the return of four starters.  Led by junior Ike Diogu, Rob Evans’ squad has the talent to compete, yet they did last year too.  This is one of those teams that could end up last in the conference or compete for first if they can get things rolling.  The Devils never got it going in 2003-2004, so why can we expect them to do any better in 2004-2005? 

Who’s Out: Sophomore Chris Low is transferring, which will diminish the size of the frontcourt.  Low never played much last year, but would have made a bigger contribution this time around.  Starting forward Jamaal Hill is the big loss for the Sun Devils.  Hill averaged 9.4 points per game in 2003-2004.  Roleplayers Justin Allen, Kenny Crandall and Brandon Goldman are also leaving, but will easily be replaced by the Sun Devils incoming class.

Who’s In: A couple Junior College players are coming in to make an immediate impact and shake things up on a team that has never played up to their potential.  Shooting guard Bryson Krueger, who has three years of eligibility remaining, was a three time McDonald’s All-American nominee during his high school days.  Point Guard Tyrone Jackson led Fresno City College to a 65-5 record during his two year tenure at the junior college.  Both Krueger and Jackson should see some significant minutes backing up Jason Braxton and Steve Moore.  Tim Pierce is the standout of the incoming freshmen.  The 6-6 forward should be able to see some minutes this year.  Craig Austin, a 6-9 center, will add some much needed size to the frontcourt.  Dubois Williams is expected to walk on for the Sun Devils.  Williams broke his foot during his senior season and thus wasn’t highly recruited.  He may be able to see some real minutes in the years to come.

Who to Watch: Ike Diogu will score over 20 points per game and grab over eight rebounds.  He is solid, consistent and does a good job of staying on the floor for a big man.  Diogu averaged 36.9 minutes per game.  He’s only 6-8, but has a wide, bruising 250 pound body.  Diogu never scored less then 13 points in a game or snatched less then five rebounds.  How is that for a consistent threat? 

Projected Conference Rank: From top to bottom the Pac 10 is better this year.  The problem is there won’t be any Stanford team going 29-1.  The Sun Devils are better, but need some more players to step up and help out Ike.  Unfortunately, everybody else at the bottom of the conference is better too, so a last place finish could be coming to Tempe once again.  

Projected Post-season Tournament: none

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Email Joel Welser: jwelser_chn@ameritech.net

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