Sun Devil Hoops: Asu's D1 Basketball Journey

is asu d1 basketball

Arizona State University's Sun Devils men's basketball team is a Division 1 basketball team that competes in the Big 12 Conference. The team has a rich history, having appeared in the NCAA tournament 16 to 17 times, including 3 Elite Eights, and has won eight conference championships. The Sun Devils play their home games at the Desert Financial Arena and are currently coached by Bobby Hurley. The team has produced several notable NBA players, including eleven-time NBA All-Star James Harden.

Characteristics Values
Team Name Arizona State Sun Devils
University Arizona State University
Location Tempe, Arizona, United States
Home Games Arena Desert Financial Arena
Conference Big 12 Conference
NCAA Tournament Appearances 16 or 17 times
Elite Eight Appearances 3 (1961, 1963, 1975)
Conference Championships 8 (4 WAC, 4 Border Conference)
Highest National Ranking AP No. 3 (2017-18 season, 1980-81 season)
Notable Players James Harden, Byron Scott, Isaac Austin, Lafayette Lever, Alton Lister

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The Arizona State Sun Devils men's basketball team represents Arizona State University

The Sun Devils' success has led to the recognition and advancement of many ASU players to the NBA. Notable NBA draftees from ASU include eleven-time NBA All-Star James Harden, Byron Scott, Isaac Austin, Lafayette Lever, Alton Lister, Lionel Hollins, Sam Williams, Jeff Pendergraph, and Mario Bennett. The team's accomplishments have also been supported by dedicated coaching staff, including head coach Bobby Hurley.

The Arizona State Sun Devils play their home games at the Desert Financial Arena, providing a competitive advantage and a strong home crowd. The team was projected to be a 9-seed in the 2020 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, according to ESPN's Joe Lunardi, but the tournament was unfortunately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This would have been a significant achievement, as it would have been the first time since 1964 that the Sun Devils had qualified for the tournament in three consecutive years.

The Sun Devils have a rich history and a bright future in men's college basketball. Their success in the highly competitive NCAA Division I landscape showcases the talent and dedication of the players and coaching staff. The team's achievements have brought recognition to Arizona State University and continue to inspire and unite the Sun Devil community. The Arizona State Sun Devils men's basketball team embodies the university's athletic excellence and serves as a source of pride for students, alumni, and fans alike.

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The team has appeared in the NCAA tournament 16-17 times, including 3 Elite Eights

The Arizona State Sun Devils men's basketball team is Arizona State University's basketball team, based in Tempe, Arizona, in the United States. The team currently competes in the Big 12 Conference.

The Sun Devils have a strong history in the NCAA tournament, having appeared 16 to 17 times, with sources disagreeing on the exact number. They have reached the Elite Eight three times, in 1961, 1963, and 1975. The Sun Devils have also won eight conference championships, including four WAC and four Border Conference championships. They have finished in the final AP rankings seven times, with their highest ranking being third, achieved under both Bobby Hurley in 2017–18 and Ned Wulk in 1980–81. The latter season included future NBA stars Byron Scott, Fat Lever, and Alton Lister in the starting lineup.

The Sun Devils have had 38 players selected in the NBA draft, including eleven-time NBA All-Star James Harden. Other notable draftees include Byron Scott, Isaac Austin, Lafayette Lever, Alton Lister, Lionel Hollins, Sam Williams, Jeff Pendergraph, and Mario Bennett.

The team has experienced recent success as well, earning a 3-seed and a first-round bye in the Pac-12 Conference men's basketball tournament before it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ESPN's Joe Lunardi projected them to be a 9-seed for the 2020 NCAA tournament, which would have been their third straight appearance.

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They have won eight conference championships and finished in the final AP rankings seven times

The Arizona State Sun Devils men's basketball team is the basketball team that represents Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, US. The team has a rich history of success, including eight conference championships and seven appearances in the final AP rankings.

The Sun Devils have established themselves as a formidable force in collegiate basketball, with a total of eight conference championships under their belt. Four of these championships were won in the WAC, while the other four were claimed in the Border Conference. This impressive tally showcases the team's consistent performance and dominance within their conference.

In addition to their conference triumphs, the Arizona State Sun Devils have also achieved notable success on a national scale. They have finished in the final AP rankings on seven separate occasions, a remarkable feat that underscores their sustained excellence in the sport. This consistent placement among the nation's top teams has solidified the Sun Devils' reputation as a powerhouse in men's college basketball.

One of the most impressive achievements of the Arizona State Sun Devils was during the 2017-18 season when they achieved their highest national ranking. Under the leadership of coach Bobby Hurley, the team soared to the No. 3 spot in the AP rankings, matching their previous best ranking during the 1980-81 season under coach Ned Wulk. That 1980-81 team included future NBA stars Byron Scott, Fat Lever, and Alton Lister, demonstrating the program's ability to develop top talent.

The Sun Devils have also made a significant impact in the NCAA tournament, making appearances 16 to 17 times, depending on the source. During these appearances, they advanced to the Elite Eight on three occasions (1961, 1963, and 1975). The team came close to making a third straight tournament appearance in 2020, but the tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this setback, the Sun Devils have consistently demonstrated their competitiveness and ability to rise to the challenge of tournament play.

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The Sun Devils play home games at the Desert Financial Arena

The Desert Financial Arena has been more than just a sports venue for the ASU community and the broader Tempe area. It has reflected the university's growth and commitment to providing quality facilities for its students and the public. The arena has witnessed historic victories, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable moments by legendary basketball players like James Harden and Briann January.

The venue offers modern seating, excellent sightlines, and an electric game day experience with various food and beverage options, merchandise booths, and loud music during pre-game and timeouts. The temperature inside the arena is comfortable, neither too hot nor too cold.

The Desert Financial Arena has also hosted several famous games, including Arizona State vs No. 1 Arizona in 2014, when ASU upset their top-ranked rivals in double overtime, and numerous rivalry games against UCLA in the 1980s and 1990s. The building replaced Sun Devil Gym as the primary arena for the Sun Devils basketball team.

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38 ASU Sun Devils have been selected in the NBA draft, including NBA All-Star James Harden

The Arizona State Sun Devils are the basketball team representing Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. They compete in the Big 12 Conference and have appeared in the NCAA tournament 16 to 17 times. The Sun Devils have a rich history of success in the NCAA, including 3 Elite Eight appearances and eight conference championships.

The Sun Devils have produced many talented players who have gone on to successful professional careers. 38 ASU Sun Devils have been selected in the NBA draft, including 11-time NBA All-Star James Harden. Other notable NBA players from ASU include Byron Scott, Isaac Austin, Lafayette Lever, Alton Lister, Lionel Hollins, Sam Williams, Jeff Pendergraph, Mario Bennett, Tommy Smith, Ike Diogu, Eddie House, and Freddie Lew.

James Harden played for the Sun Devils during the 2007-2009 seasons before declaring for the NBA draft. He was selected with the third overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder and went on to become one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. Harden has been named an NBA All-Star 11 times and won the NBA's Most Valuable Player award in 2018.

The Sun Devils' success in developing NBA talent can be attributed to their strong basketball program and talented coaching staff. The team has a history of producing well-rounded players who excel at the next level. The Sun Devils' success in the NCAA and the number of players drafted into professional leagues showcases the high level of competition and talent within the program.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Arizona State University (ASU) has a Division 1 men's basketball team called the Sun Devils.

The Sun Devils have appeared in the NCAA tournament 16-17 times, made it to the Elite Eights 3 times, and have won 8 conference championships. 38 ASU players have been selected in the NBA draft, including NBA All-Star James Harden.

The Sun Devil Men’s Basketball team plays its home games at the Desert Financial Arena.

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