1. What do I need to know about Coach Charli Turner Thorne?
The winningest coach in Sun Devil women's basketball history and No. 2 in the Pac-12 in most career wins (380), Charli Turner Thorne is at the helm of an Arizona State program that has made it to the postseason 16 of the last 17 years, including a school record five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances (2005-09), two Elite Eight appearances and a pair of Sweet 16 finishes. ASU's 11 NCAA Tournament appearances under Turner Thorne are eight more than what ASU had in the 15 years prior to her arrival in Tempe. She has also earned a pair of gold medals with USA Basketball.
Turner Thorne was named the 2016 Pac-12 Coach of the Year (coaches and media), the second time she has been recognized with the honor (2001), after leading the Sun Devils to their second regular season Pac-12 championship. ASU would go on to earn its highest NCAA Tournament seed (No. 2) in program history. In 2016 ASU also tied the program records for most conference wins (16) and consecutive wins (15) and set the program record for most road wins (11).
Turner Thorne, who will be entering her 20th season at ASU in 2016-17, recorded the 400th victory of her career (includes 40 wins at Northern Arizona) on Dec. 14, 2015 (at Hartford). She needs 20 more wins to reach 400 as ASU's coach.
2. What can I expect from a Charli Turner Thorne coached Sun Devil team?
On the court you can expect a team that outhustles its opponents and plays great defense. A fearless, patient team that finds the perfect time to pass, shoot, and score on one end of the court, also plays stifling defense that causes turnovers, rebounds, and offensive fouls on the other. You can expect her team to have a chance to win every game, regardless of opponent.
3. What can I expect from this year's roster?
FRONTCOURT
· The Frontcourt will be filled with depth and experience. Leading the way will be three seniors who were all starters last season: Forwards Sophie Brunner and Kelsey Moos and center Quinn Dornstauder.
· Brunner returns as the leader in rebounds (200), steals (46) and points per game (10.7). Brunner earned Honorable Mention recognition on the 2016 WBCA NCAA Division I Coaches All-America Team and has earned All-Pac 12 and Pac-12 Defensive Honorable Mention each of the last two seasons.
· Dornstauder is returning after a breakout 15-16 campaign. Last season Dornstauder finished first on the team in blocks (41), was second in scoring (9.7 ppg), and third in rebounding (4.5 rpg). A polished offensive threat, Dornstauder was responsible for three of ASU's four highest single-game point totals in 2015-16.
· Forward, Kelsey Moos has started 89 of 91 career games and has been first or second on the team in rebounds each of her first three seasons and was also second on the team in field goal percentage in 2014 and 2015. Moos earned Pac-12 Defensive honorable mention recognition last season.
· Forward, Kianna Ibis figures to play an even bigger role next season after spending much of the 2015-16 season returning from an ACL she suffered her senior year of high school. Ibis connected on 59 percent of her shots in the final nine games of 2015-16 and had a career-high 14 points in the Pac-12 quarterfinals vs Cal.
· Forward, Sara Hattis, a 6-4 forward and four-year transfer from Texas, will come in and contribute on both ends of the floor. Hattis was a member of both the Longhorn basketball and volleyball teams at Texas before committing to basketball on a full-time basis prior to the 2015-16 season.
BACKCOURT
· The Backcourt will be filling in some large shoes with departing seniors Arnecia Hawkins, Katie Hempen, and Elisha Davis
· Returning sophomore guard Sabrina Haines will continue to show why she is an asset to the Sun Devils. Haines earned Pac-12 All-Freshman Honorable Mention and led the team in FT % (86.7%) and was second in 3-point field goal percentage.
INCOMING CLASS
· Arizona State University finished with a Top 10 recruiting class for 2016 and 3rd in the Pac-12. With an outstanding five-player class featuring four guards, Charli Turner Thorne has set the Sun Devils up to sustain success. Two of the prospects -- Jamie Ruden and Kiara Russell -- hail from Minnesota. Ruden, a 6-foot-1 post ranked 39th in the country, is a physical player with a soft touch.
Reili Richardson, ranked 46th, is a point guard who is adept at both scoring and distributing. In May, Richardson traveled to Colorado Springs, Colorado, for the USA Basketball Women's U18 National Team Trials.
Robbi Ryan, another point guard, is ranked 65th. She is Wyoming's reigning Gatorade player of the year who has a high basketball IQ. Look for her to make an early impact.
Rounding out the class is Sydney Goodson, a three-star point guard out of Texas.
4. What are the highlights of the schedule for the 2016-17 season?
· The 2016-17 schedule will feature 15 home games including six non-conference games and nine Pac-12 Conference games to be announced. Read more about the non-conference schedule.
· The Pac-12 had a strong showing in the NCAA Tournament qualifying 5 total teams and going 14-5. Two Pac-12 opponents (Oregon St and Washington) advanced all the way to the Final Four.
· The Sun Devils have one of the best home court advantages in the nation going 44-6 at Wells Fargo Arena over the past three seasons.
5. How do I purchase my season tickets?
There are several ways that you can purchase your season tickets. You may purchase online at any time, over the phone through a Sun Devil Ticket Representative by calling 480-965-5812 during business hours, which are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in person at the Sun Devil Ticket Office during business hours, or mailing in a check to:
Sun Devil Athletics
P.O. Box 872405
Tempe, AZ 85287-2405
6. How much do season tickets cost this year?
The Pac-12 Champs are excited about retaining their title. Even with the great season, Season Ticket prices did not change much. We appreciate your support and want to make sure we fill Wells Fargo Arena every home game for Head Coach Charli Turner Thorne's 20th season! Now is the best time to claim your season tickets! Go here to view the Women's Basketball season ticket pricing map.
7. How can I upgrade my seats or purchase additional seats?
You may put in a request now for additional seats or upgraded seats by calling your personal service rep at 480-965-5333.
8. How do I get tickets to the Pac-12 Tournament?
Once information on the Pac-12 Tournament is available, we will communicate to our season ticket holders via email. At that time, you will be able to request tickets to the Pac-12 tournament.
9. Is Wells Fargo Arena going to be renovated?
While it is a goal of Sun Devil Athletics' to renovate Wells Fargo Arena in the near future, no plans are in place for a renovation at this time.
10. Why are game times inconsistent?
Our tip-off times are determined by our television partners and give Sun Devil women's Basketball, Sun Devil Athletics and Arizona State University an opportunity to be showcased nationally.