Pac-12 Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2021-22 season

It would be an understatement to describe the Sun Devil’s last season as forgettable. With a roster full of star recruits and legitimate returning players, Bobby Hurley’s team fell apart under COVID protocols and injuries, resulting in a disappointing 7-10 in the conference and 11-14 overall. As a result, five of the nine top-minute earners transferred out of the program, leaving Hurley to rebuild a nearly bare cupboard.

Hurley was active recouping in the portal, landing his likely starting backcourt with Marreon Jackson and Jay Heath. Jackson is coming off a season at Toledo that earned him Mid-American Conference Player of the Year, thanks in large part to his average of 18.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. Heath is coming to Tempe from Boston College, where he averaged 14.5 points. Both Heath and Jackson are solid outside shooters, averaging 36.5% and 34.8% respectively.

The biggest win for Hurley could be the retention of Marcus Bagley for this upcoming season. Bagley tested the NBA waters and has the game for it. He’s a solid option at the wing or in the paint and can even play a small-ball center if necessary. He was hindered by leg injuries which left him out of a handful of conference games. If Bagley can stay healthy, he’s an All-Conference level talent that can help get the Sun Devils to the tournament.

With their new additions, Hurley has the talent to earn a high seed in the tournament. They just have to finally play to their level of talent.