TEMPE – Arizona State basketball had a short run in the Big 12 tournament, losing in the first round to Kansas State 71-66. ASU closed out the 2024-2025 season with a 13-19 record, losing 16 of its final 19 games. Head coach Bobby Hurley had arguably his hardest season mentally, losing players via injuries, dismissals, and nine straight home losing streak. Despite the abysmal second half of the season, the Sun Devils showed flashes of what the team could be, and Hurley wants to build on it more by participating in the College Basketball Crown tournament in late March.
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Nov 10, 2024; Spokane, Washington, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley talks with team before a game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
Why is ASU participating in the College Basketball Crown Tournament?
The 16-team tournament will take place in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the first two rounds, with the final two at T-Mobile Arena. The College Basketball Crown will have NBA scouts in attendance and have NIL opportunities for players.
ASU athletic director Graham Rossini has confirmed that Hurley will be back next season, so the tournament is a great jump start for what the team could look like next season. The final stretch of the season saw Sun Devil freshmen step up in a major way.
Freshman starters guard Joson Sanon and forward Amier Ali have had to endure many of the season’s hardships. However, the duo’s play improved as the season progressed and will be vital to the roster in the tournament and next season.
Feb 9, 2025; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Joson Sanon (3) shoots the ball during the second half against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
The two 17-year-olds, freshmen guard Trevor Best and center Jayden Quaintance, could shine in the event. The former high school teammates joined the Sun Devils at different times, but both made an impact in their first game with the program. Best joined ASU in January, and playing in the tournament could generate much-needed reps before next year.
Quaintance missed the season’s final four games, so his status for the College Basketball Crown is up in the air. If he does return, the All-Big 12 Freshman team member would be an integral piece for a deep run.
ASU center Jayden Quaintance (21) goes up for a dunk being fouled by GCU guard Tyon Grant-Foster (7) during a game at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Nov. 14, 2024. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Hurley is highly regard as a recruiter, and a encouraging run in the Vegas tournament would be an easy sell to recruits then a one-and-done appearance in the Big 12 tournament. ASU’s success next season will be connected to its play in the College Basketball Crown.
ASU offense stalls in 71-66 loss to Kansas State in Big 12 tournament
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
