Arizona State Basketball: Top 5 non-conference games for 2018-19

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 07: Remy Martin #1 of the Arizona State Sun Devils brings the ball up the court ahead of Dominique Collier #15 of the Colorado Buffaloes during a first-round game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Buffaloes won 97-85. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

3 of 3

WICHITA, KS – MARCH 17: Lagerald Vick #2 of the Kansas Jayhawks reacts as they take on the Seton Hall Pirates in the first half during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at INTRUST Bank Arena on March 17, 2018 in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

2. Kansas (H), December 22

Kansas will be the best team Arizona State faces all season, but being at home makes this the second toughest game. This is an unbelievable opportunity for the Sun Devils to earn a marquee win at home. Arizona State won at Kansas last season so the Jayhawks should definitely be motivated in this one. Kansas is led by Dedric Lawson who is the best transfer in college basketball.

Interior force Udoka Azubuike is unguardable once he gets the ball in the paint with his size and strength. If the Jayhawks can get quality contributions from their two freshmen guards (Devon Dotson and Quentin Grimes) they will be one of the best teams in the country.

1. Nevada (N), December 7

Arizona State will face Nevada in Los Angeles and this will prove to be their toughest and most impactful non-conference game. Nevada is a top ten team so a win over the Wolfpack away from home would be enormous. I’m sure Arizona State fans understand this better than anyone because their early season win at Kansas ensured that they made the 2018 tournament, despite their late-season woes.

Nevada is led by the Martin twins who flirted with the NBA Draft and senior PF Jordan Caroline. These three are supplemented by a collection of seasoned transfers who make Nevada one of the most experienced teams in the country. Trey Porter may be the best incoming transfer on the Wolfpack and he gives them additional size and athleticism up front.

dark. Next. 10 under the radar freshmen for 2018-19

The Sun Devils have one of the strongest non-conference schedules in the country as it features 3 top 15 teams and another potential tournament team. Winning two of their five toughest games will put Arizona State in great shape for a return trip to the Big Dance.

Home/Arizona State Sun Devils