ASU Basketball Minute 01-27-2012

Jan 27, 2012 by Paul L. Richardson

On a night when ASU could not get anything completely going, losing to Washington 60 – 54, The Sun Devils were able to honor one of their greats by hoisting the #12 jersey of Lafayette ‘Fat’ Lever to the rafters.

The overall game was difficult for the Sun Devils. At times, they seemed hesitant or unsure of what they should do next. The first half saw them play competitively and take a 24 – 22 lead into the break. The second half didn’t start out so well. They gave up an easy hoop followed by an offensive rebound off a missed free throw that led to a three point shot. After that, the momentum switched and the Sun Devils never could completely recover.

On Tuesday, coach Herb Sendek stated they were not a team that will shoot a lot of free throws and this was evident in the first half as they did not attempt a single free throw. This changed the second half as they went to the free throw line 16 times, but their three point shooting touch left them. The first half they were an outstanding 4 -9 and in the second half they here 3 -14.

Coach Sendek stated in the press conference after the game he “thought they had a number of opportunities to make plays”, but was not able to do so and that’s what stands out to him. He went on to say “our capacity to be aware, make better decisions to continue to get the ball” was an area for opportunity.

Coach Sendek stated he is “thrilled and excited” with the future of Jonathan Gilling, who finished with 20 points for the Sun Devils, and his ability to play well and shoot 5 – 12 from behind the arc. In the end, Tony Wroten and his 22 points for Washington was too much for ASU.

Unfortunately the Sun Devils could not put the icing on the cake on what was night filled with an energetic arena because of the retiring of ‘Fat’ Lever’s jersey. ASU have done a great job recently of retiring the jerseys of some of their great players in the past. Last year it was Byron Scott.