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Arizona State Basketball: 2021-22 season preview and outlook for Sun Devils

By Jerran Anderson

Feb 8, 2018; Tempe, AZ, USA; The shadows of the Arizona State Sun Devils players are cast on the court as they stand for the national anthem in front of a PAC 12 logo prior to the game against the USC Trojans at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2018; Tempe, AZ, USA; The shadows of the Arizona State Sun Devils players are cast on the court as they stand for the national anthem in front of a PAC 12 logo prior to the game against the USC Trojans at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arizona State Basketball Marcus BagleyMark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona State Basketball Marcus BagleyMark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Projected starting lineup

Point Guard – Marreon Jackson, Grad. Tr.

Marreon Jackson is probably the most prized addition to the Arizona State basketball rotation out of Toledo. He was phenomenal in the backcourt for the Rockets, as he took home MAC Player of the Year honors while producing 18.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 5.9 apg, and 1.8 spg in 2020-21.

Jackson is a crafty 6-foot-1 lead guard that should replace what Remy Martin brought to the Sun Devils backcourt this past season and then some, especially with his defensive prowess. He turned in a 99.3 defensive rating, finishing eighth in MAC basketball. Look for him to produce similar numbers in a starting role.

Guard – Jay Heath, Junior

Jay Heath is another addition in the Sun Devils rotation out of the ACC basketball ranks from Boston College, where he spent the past two seasons. He made 50 appearances (49 starts) for the Golden Eagles, posting 13.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.0 apg, and 1.1 spg while shooting 36.5 percent from behind the arc and 41.2 percent from the field.

Heath is a 6-foot-3 guard that’s also quite the two-way presence in the backcourt. He’s due to make an instant impact in the rotation with his ability to attack the rim and get hot in a hurry from behind the arc. He comes in averaging 2.1 3-pointers per contest and should bolster their perimeter attack.

Wing/Forward – Kimani Lawrence, Senior

Kimani Lawrence returns to the Sun Devils rotation looking to pick up where he left off on the wing. He made 23 appearances (15 starts) this past season, averaging 8.1 ppg and 5.0 rpg as one of their primary rebounders around the rim.

Lawrence has good length at 6-foot-8 that allows him to play inside and out and guard multiple roles on the floor. He’s an efficient mid-range player that stays within his game to make things work at the 3-spot. He shot 52.1 percent from the field in 2020-21.

Forward – Marcus Bagley, Soph.

Marcus Bagley’s decision to withdraw from the NBA Draft gives Arizona State basketball some versatility to work with at the forward spot. He posted 10.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg and 1.2 apg while shooting 34.7 percent from behind the arc across 12 games (11 starts) in his debut season. He battled ankle and calf injuries and also Covid-19 before deciding to return for a second year.

Bagley will look to work into a primary scoring role as the Sun Devils’ top scorer from a season ago. He’s a 6-foot-8, 215-pound prospect with a ton of promise as a playmaker and scorer. As he improves his efficiency, look for him to have a successful sophomore campaign.

Forward/Center – Jalen Graham, Junior 

Jalen Graham is another name in the frontcourt that returns looking to continue to be a presence in the paint for the Sun Devils. Last season, he averaged 8.1 ppg and 5.0 rpg while shooting 55.1 percent from the field.

Graham is quite the presence on the boards, especially offensively after leading the team in offensive rebounds with 37 (1.8 per contest). He will need to be a lot more sound on the defensive end, but with some new faces to work with, things could be looking up for Arizona State basketball with Graham in the rotation.

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