TEMPE –Arizona State men’s basketball looks to get back in the win column on the road against Utah. ASU has played better in the previous weeks, and while it hasn’t always equaled wins, it’s encouraging to see head coach Bobby Hurley’s squad fight back against its season struggles. The Utes are one of the best rebounding teams in the nation, and without freshman center Jayden Quaitnance, the Sun Devils will need another freshman to step up in his place, forward Amier Ali.
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Arizona State guard Amier Ali (5) starts a fast break against Houston during the second half at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe on Feb. 18, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
In his first 19 games, Ali only played 20+ minutes once, but with recent injuries, have eclipsed that mark in seven of its eight, including 39 minutes against No. 25 BYU. During this recent stretch, the freshman has been an efficient scorer, going 6-for-7 from the field for 18 points against No. 10 Texas Tech. The Little Elm, Texas native shines against the best competition, which has caught Hurley’s eye.
Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley talks with Arizona State guard Amier Ali (5) during Big 12 conference play against BYU at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe on Feb. 26, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
During his postgame press conference after BYU, Hurley highlighted Ali’s growth. With the laundry list of injuries and departure of the program’s leading scorer, senior guard BJ Freeman, Hurley said Ali has “made some great strides” in recent weeks and has committed to winning.
Ali is a lanky 6’8 and gives Arizona State much-needed length. Without Quaintance, the Sun Devils only have three players in the rotation above 6’5. Rebounding is a huge issue for ASU. To counteract that, Ali must lead a full-team effort on the boards.
Feb 23, 2025; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Amier Ali (5) dribbles during the first half against the Kansas State Wildcats at Bramlage Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images
Ali has shown flashes offensively of what he can bring to the program. In the past six games, Ali has shot 46.2% from beyond the arc while having great success getting to the rim. Hurley has asked a lot from the freshman during this recent stretch, but Ali has taken the opportunity by the horns and proves he deserves a permanent spot in the game plan.
Arizona State needs to dominate this facet of the game at Utah
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
