2014 NCAA Tournament Profile: Arizona State Sun Devils
Mar 13, 2014; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Jahii Carson (1) shoots against Stanford Cardinal forward Dwight Powell (33) during the first half in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 Conference college basketball tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona State Sun Devils
Record: (21-11, 10-8 PAC 12)
RPI: 44
BPI: 39
Conference: PAC 12
How They Qualified: At-Large Bid
Season Summary
Herb Sendek’s Arizona State Sun Devils started this season with some promise to make some noise in the PAC 12. They partially accomplished that goal. The Sun Devils did finish in tie for 3rd in a strong PAC 12. NBA prospect, Jahii Carson led the team in scoring with over 18 points a game and also led the team with 4.5 assists per contest. Keep an eye on Jermaine Marshall as well from beyond the arc.
Sendek’s crew had a strong start to the season with wins over UNLV and Marquette. They also started the first half of the PAC 12 season in the Top 3 and defeated rival Arizona Wildcats at home in a double-overtime thriller after dispatching the Oregon Ducks as well. Then something went wrong and they closed the season losing 5 of their last 7 games including a 3 game losing streak to close the season. They are a better team than that.
What You Need to Know
Leading Scorer: Jahii Carson – 18.6 points per game
Leading Rebounder: Jordan Bachynski – 8.3 rebounds per game
Leading Passer: Jahii Carson – 4.5 assists per game
Bad Losses: Miami
Good Wins: Arizona
What to Expect
The Arizona State Sun Devils will not go very far in this tournament if they cannot find that team that was having a strong conference showing that was topped off by their win over Arizona. That team, with Carson and Marshall lighting up their opponent’s defense, can make some noise and advance.
If the Sun Devils that closed the season on a flat note show up, it will be a quick exit back to Tempe.