I was able to watch the Devils play Oregon State today on FSN. Great game if you're a Sun Devils' fan. It has been a while since a Sun Devil hoops team was this much fun to watch. You probably have to go back to the early Frieder days with Jamal Faulkner, Stevin Smith, Lynn Collins and Mario Bennett for a Devils team that was competitive and fun to watch.
The Devils definitely play some solid interior defense thanks to the zone but if a team gets hot from the outside, it can be exploited. However, going into the season, everyone knew the Devils would play solid D. It was the offense that was a question. James Harden living up to the hype has helped address any concerns about the offense. He makes everyone around him better.
Wednesday night's game against Tucson should be interesting. I'm sure they will be a little ticked off coming into the game after losing to Oregon, a team ASU beat last Thursday. Either way, the rivalry should at least be a bit more competitive than it has been in the past. Also, the proof is there that the program is progressing - the win over Xavier and quick conference start represent a huge improvement over last season.
Unrelated note - nice going Erickson in nabbing Gerrell Robinson away from the Irish. Looks like we're on our way to having a Top 25 recruiting class.
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