TEMPE – The first Arizona State men’s basketball player announced his departure on Wednesday. After entering the transfer portal only a few days ago, freshman guard Joson Sanon announced to ESPN on Wednesday that he’ll join Rick Pitino and St John’s next season.
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Mar 4, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Joson Sanon (3) reacts during the first half against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
Sanon on his decision to leave Arizona State for St. John’s:
“Coach (Rick) Pitino believes in me and my potential and what he can do for me. He preaches working hard, and I want to show him I’m the hardest working player that’s ever played for him. The way Coach P teaches defense is something I want to invest my time into.”
Mar 8, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley talks to guard Joson Sanon (3) during the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
Sanon only spent a season in Tempe, averaging 11.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 27 games. The freshman showcased flashes of his potential and looked to be a deadly one-two punch with fellow freshman center Jayden Quaintance. However, Sanon elected to transfer and was pushed by his agent, Derek Malloy of LIFT Sports Management, to sign with St. John’s because of Pitino.
“New York City, Madison Square Garden, Rick Pitino. If we weren’t the first to take it, I’d envy the person who did,” Malloy told ESPN.
ASU begins the College Basketball Crown postseason tournament against Nebraska on Monday, where it’ll be without Sanon. The Sun Devils will compete for a first-place prize of $300,000 NIL package. The field is tough, especially being without Quaintance, but head coach Bobby Hurley will have his troops ready for the seven-day tournament.
What Joson Sanon’s transfer means for Arizona State and where he could land next
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
