Tempe, Ariz. – Service and community outreach are leading tenants of the Sun Devil Way. The concept of serving and creating an affinity with the surrounding community has become a priority within Sun Devil Athletics.
Recently four members of the ASU men’s basketball team helped to grant a Make-A-Wish for a valley teen. Kodi Justice, Willie Atwood, Eric Jacobsen, and newcomer Shannon Evans, were all present and partook in a wish reveal of an outdoor basketball court for Jalen, a freshman at Dobson High School in Mesa, Arizona.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in the United States in 1980, works to grant wishes and arrange for special experiences for children aged 3-17 with life-threatening medical conditions.
This Wish in particular hit home for sophomore guard Kodi Justice. A local product of Mesa, Arizona and graduate of Dobson High, Justice grew up near and personally knows the recipient.
“It’s a blessing to be in this position in which I’m able to give back”, said Justice. “I’ve known Jalen for quite a while. I saw him around campus before I graduated and at Inspire courts up the street where he worked out with my little brother. To be able to give back to a kid like Jalen and help his family is an honor. Spending time with him is more fulfilling for me than it probably is for him.”
Justice looks to rebound from a promising freshman campaign cut short due to a fractured navicular bone in his left foot suffered on Jan. 25. The sophomore guard posted averages of 4.6 points and 1.6 per game during the 2014-15 season. Three times Justice scored in double-figures including a career-high 16 point showing against California on Jan. 22. Justice established himself as a dangerous sharpshooter for the Sun Devils going 17-of-37 (.459%) from beyond the arc on the season.
The Sun Devils backcourt figures to be one of the best in the conference, featuring Justice along with returning players Tra Holder (Pac-12 All-Freshman) and Gerry Blakes who notched five 20-point games during the 2014-15 season. ASU has also added University of Buffalo transfers Shannon Evans and Torian Graham who will sit out the 2015-16 season, and Andre Spight a tremendous outside shooter who looks to make an immediate impact for the Sun Devils.