PHOENIX –Wednesday’s matchup has Arizona State men’s basketball at a disadvantage. ASU is without freshman center Jayden Quaintance, and against No. 12 Texas Tech, that could spell disaster. This Red Raiders’ team possesses dynamic guard play that’ll use the Sun Devils’ hollow interior defense for their attack.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Texas Tech’s rotation is filled with various talented guards of different skill sets. ASU has a tall task trying to limit any of the three guards below.
1. Senior guard Chance McMillian
Feb 1, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Chance McMillian (0) reacts during the first half against the Houston Cougars at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
McMillian leads Texas Tech in scoring with 15.2 points. He has four 20+ point games, most of the damage coming from beyond the arc. The GCU transfer leads the Red Raiders in 3-point attempts, makes, and percentage. Texas Tech is 2nd in the Big 12 in 3-point percentage, and all that is thanks to the senior. McMillian is a triple threat on offense with his stellar shooting and ability to finish through contact. Texas Tech’s resurgence this season is because of the rise of McMillan.
2. Senior guard Elijah Hawkins
Feb 1, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Elijah Hawkins (3) brings the ball down court during the first half against the Houston Cougars at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Hawkins is the primary ball handler for the Red Raiders. He averages 6.3 assists, with six games of 10+ assists. Texas Tech’s offense is a well-oiled machine, credit to Hawkins. The Minnesota transfer has the program as the third-best scoring offense in the Big 12. Hawkins’ unselfishness and leadership as the facilitator of the offense has allowed Texas Tech to flourish into one of the premier teams in the nation.
The senior guard heads the perimeter defense for the Red Raiders, leading the team in steals with 1.6 a game. Hawkins is a two-way guard who understands what it takes to win.
3. Freshman guard Christian Anderson
Dec 4, 2024; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson (4) takes a jump shot over DePaul Blue Demons guard Conor Enright (4) in the second half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images
The spark plug off Texas Tech’s bench is Anderson. The freshman is second behind McMillian in every 3-point stat and has caught fire in games this season. Anderson has scored 17+ points four times off the bench and recorded six instances of 3+ made 3-pointers. ASU is third in the Big 12 in opponent 3-point percentage, but even it will have trouble stopping Anderson and the countless other shooters on Texas Tech.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
