Arizona State Basketball: Transfer Zylan Cheatham commits to the Sun Devils

By Connor Hope | Apr 25, 2017

Feb 4, 2017; Fresno, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs forward Dylan Cheatham (14) reacts after making two free throws with 22 seconds left against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the second half at the Save Mart Center. The Aztecs defeated the Bulldogs 70-67. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Former SDSU forward Zylan Cheatham will head to the Pac-12 to join the Arizona State Sun Devils.

After spending two seasons at San Diego State, Zylan Cheatham announced that he would be transferring to another program. On Monday, it was reported that Cheatham has committed to play for Bobby Hurley at Arizona State.

At 6’9”, Cheatham will provide the Sun Devils with a solid interior scorer and a long wing defender. He shot around 52 percent from the field last season and recorded 6.3 rebounds per game.

While Cheatham was getting good playing time with the Aztecs, the retirement of head coach Steve Fisher leaves the team in a limbo state. Arizona State, meanwhile, posted a losing record last year, in Hurley’s second year at the helm.

Arizona State is looking to improve moving forward, and the addition of Cheatham will help the cause. After Cheatham sits out next season due to NCAA transfer rules, he will join ESPN four-star recruits Kimani Lawrence and Remy Martin, making Arizona State a promising team for the 2018-2019 season.

Cheatham will help improve ASU’s biggest weakness: rebounding. Only one player averaged over five rebounds last season and the team ranked 334th in rebound margin.

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It will be interesting to see how many transfers and recruits Hurley is able to secure over the next 18 months, but Cheatham provides a big piece that may help Arizona State reach its first NCAA Tournament since 2014. As the Pac-12 works to gain respect from NCAA fans, Arizona State could join USC as programs on the rise.

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