ASU Men’s Basketball Roster Revamp
The ASU men’s basketball team has significantly changed its roster since last season, gearing up for a challenging 13-game nonconference schedule. Last year, ASU finished with a 9-2 record in nonconference play, but struggled in conference action, ending with a 4-16 record. With only two returnees from the previous season, these early games are vital for developing team chemistry.
Exhibitions Kick Off Schedule
The Sun Devils will begin their season with an exhibition game against UC Irvine on October 12 in California. Irvine had an impressive 32-7 record last year and was the runner-up in the National Invitation Tournament, falling to Chattanooga.
Facing Competitive Teams
ASU’s final exhibition will be against Texas A&M on October 26 in Houston as part of The Preview College Basketball Exhibition series. The Aggies, finishing 19th nationally with a record of 23-11, were eliminated in the second round of the NCAA Tournament by Michigan.
Home Games and Historical Matchups
The Sun Devils will open their home game slate on November 4 against Southern Utah, a team they have historically dominated with a 5-0 record. They will also face Utah Tech on November 9 and Gonzaga on November 14, a highly anticipated rematch after a close 88-80 loss last season.
Continuation of Scheduled Games
ASU will then play Georgia State on November 17 and Hawaii on November 20, both of which are first-time opponents in this season’s schedule. Following that, the team will participate in the Maui Invitational from November 24-26, including a match against Texas, which had a 19-16 record last year.
Notable Future Matchups
The ASU team will once again play in the Jerry Colangelo Classic on December 6 against Oklahoma in Phoenix. The matchup holds significance as the Sun Devils and Sooners are evenly matched historically, each with one win. Other notable games include meetings with Santa Clara on December 13 and UCLA on December 17 in Los Angeles.
Completing the Nonconference Schedule
ASU will wrap up its nonconference schedule with a game against Oregon State on December 21, where they aim to extend their all-time series lead. The Beavers finished last season with a 20-13 record but recently lost to ASU 84-71 in their last encounter.
Edited by Jack McCarthy, Henry Smardo, and Ellis Preston.
