PAC-12 Basketball: 2020-21 breakout candidates from each team

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 15: A Pac-12 basketball logo is displayed on the court before a semifinal game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Washington Huskies at T-Mobile Arena on March 15, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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TULSA, OKLAHOMA – MARCH 22: Kimani Lawrence #14 of the Arizona State Sun Devils (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Arizona State Sun Devils: Kimani Lawrence

In his fifth season as head coach of Arizona State Basketball, Bobby Hurley led them to an 11-7 conference record which was good for a tie of the third spot. Coach Hurley’s offense was also third-best in the conference at 74 points per game, but the over 70 points allowed per game was the worst in the PAC-12.

Stopping opponents from scoring is not the only problem for Coach Hurley, he needs to stop players from leaving his program. Currently, Remy Martin and Alonzo Verge Jr have declared for the NBA Draft has juniors, although neither is ranked in the top 75 by ESPN. Regardless of his prospect value, Martin will not be returning to Tempe. Players departing via the transfer portal are guards Kyle Feit and Elias Valtonen with a trio of forwards in Romello White, Khalid Thomas, and Andre Allen. When you include senior Rob Edwards, not only is there potentially room for the 34th ranked recruitment class but guaranteed playing time for 6’8 senior Kimani Lawrence.

Lawrence averaged 17 minutes, five points, and just over two rebounds as he was in the starting lineup in 23 of the 30 games he played. Taeshon Cherry is also 6’8 and has a slight edge in defensive stats over Lawrence, but Lawrence has an equally slight edge in true shooting percentage and points produced. As we know Coach Hurley is dependant upon his offense, and while the continuity ‘Wheel’ offense will alter depending on the players, the ball is in the four-man’s hands a fair amount and Kimani Lawrence fits that role.

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