TEMPE – On paper, Wednesday’s loss to No. 25 BYU is just one of the long list of losses for Arizona State men’s basketball. ASU was without freshman center Jayden Quaintance and looked outmatched against a ranked opponent. However, being shorthanded allowed head coach Bobby Hurley to go deep into his bench to try and find a spark, which he found in a major way. After only playing nine minutes all season, freshman guard Trevor Best exploded onto the scene. In 24 minutes, he had 18 points on 5-of-8 shooting and two assists.
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ASU guard Trevor Best (12) shoots over BYU forward Richie Saunders (15) during Big 12 conference play at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe on Feb. 26, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Best joined the program in January because he was still enrolled in his high school, Word of God Christian Academy. After graduating, the 17-year-old left North Carolina and joined the program that desperately needed bodies with Quaintance’s injury and senior guard BJ Freeman’s dismissal. Hurley was scared to throw out the freshman with his limited experience but was impressed with what he saw from Best.
Bobby Hurley on Trevor Best scoring 18 points in 24 minutes. The point guard had previously played nine total minutes since joining the team midseason.
Also went into the practice limitations the team is facing as injuries pile up.
"The Sun Devils should be happy about Best." pic.twitter.com/JzNnoYh5ex
— Jordan Hamm (@JordyHamm) February 27, 2025
Senior guard Adam Miller was amazed by the freshman’s adaptability. Miller is proud of Best and called him a “young, explosive” guard and a “very good” teammate. ASU has struggled to find hope in the season because of injuries and losses piling up. However, a bright spot that has emerged is the sudden arrival of Best in his first real opportunity. He’ll be a story to follow in the final few games of the season.
ASU can’t contain fiery No. 25 BYU offense in historic 91-81 loss
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
