ASU Basketball: Key Matchups and Highlights for the Upcoming Week

The Arizona State Sun Devils men’s basketball team is off to a promising start this season. After securing victories in their first two games, the team faced Gonzaga and lost 77-65. This experience is part of their effort to fine-tune their performance amid ongoing injuries and team chemistry development.

Next Up: A Match Against Georgia State

Arizona State is concluding its four-game homestand with a matchup against Georgia State, which has stumbled to a 1-3 record so far. The Panthers’ standout players include sophomore guard Jelani Hamilton and forward Joah Chappelle, both averaging double digits in scoring. Georgia State’s lineup features four players who are credible threats as floor-spacers.

Upcoming Challenge: Traveling to Hawaii

Following the game against Georgia State, the Sun Devils will head to Hawaii for a Thanksgiving week tournament. The Rainbow Warriors currently boast a 4-1 record, including a win over Utah Tech. They nearly achieved an upset against Oregon, a competitive Big 10 team.

Hawaii’s offensive strategy relies on a balanced scoring approach, with seven players contributing at least six points per game. Center Isaac Johnson has particularly impressed, averaging 14.8 points and 9.2 rebounds over five games.

Maui Invitational Preparation

The game against Hawaii serves as preparation for the Maui Invitational, where Arizona State will kick off the tournament on November 24 against the Texas Longhorns. This encounter marks the first meeting between head coach Bobby Hurley and former Arizona coach Sean Miller since the 2020-21 season.

Potential for Former Rivalry Matchups

A victory against Texas could set up a matchup with Washington State the following day, marking the third confrontation against a former Pac-12 rival this season. Should they succeed, the Sun Devils could advance to the championship round, where they might face either the NC State Wolfpack, coached by Will Wade, or USC Trojans, another familiar opponent.

• Arizona State has started the season with a 2-1 record.
• Georgia State’s record: 1-3.
• Hawaii’s record: 4-1.
• Isaac Johnson averages 14.8 points and 9.2 rebounds.

The upcoming week holds potential for Arizona State as they navigate competitive matchups and seek to build a stronger team identity this season.