Zylan Cheatham and De'Quon Lake had their moment to reminisce with the Sun Devil faithful as Bobby Hurley took two substitution timeouts with the shot clock off. They acknowledged the 11,618 inside Wells Fargo Arena for the final time before the buzzer sounded on Arizona State's (19-8; 10-5 Pac-12) 69-59 victory over California on senior day that notched a season sweep for the second consecutive season.
"You can tell how much it means to Zylan and Lake, they both were very emotional," said Hurley. "Those games are really tricky and difficult when you add something like that (senior day), that's out of the normal routine."
It was indeed a tricky start for Arizona State, connecting on just seven shots in the first 20 minutes after opening three-of-six. Remy Martin said it wasn't a pleasant sight to see, but it would not end with ASU in the loss column.
"We have a history of (starting bad,) especially against teams that we should supposedly be beating," said Martin. "But on senior night with De'Quon and Zylan and the managers, we weren't going to let that happen."
The Devils opened the second half looking like a completely different team they were in the first. They made their first eight shots, began on a 19-5 run and erased a six-point halftime deficit that ASU rode to victory against the Golden Bears (5-22; 0-15 Pac-12).
"Rob (Edwards) had an outstanding spurt on offense that really gave us separation in the game," said Hurley.
Edwards scored 14 of his 16 in the second half, including back-to-back triples that gave the Sun Devils their first double-digit lead of the game. Luguentz Dort led ASU with 22, notching his seventh 20-point game of the year and was efficient early when others were struggling to make a basket.
SUN DEVIL FRESHMAN 20-POINT GAMES (1972-73 to present)
18, Jahii Carson, 2012-13
16, James Harden, 2007-08
12, Ike Diogu, 2002-03
7, Jamal Faulkner, 1990-91
7, Luguentz Dort, 2018-19
"I don't know if I've played against another guy or competed against another player that could harass and guard," said Hurley on Dort. "He's an elite guy, in the top percentile of athleticism."
Once Arizona State found its groove, Sun Devil Nation was able to relax and appreciate the success of Cheatham and Lake in their final moments in front of their home crowd. Even though Cheatham had one year and Lake had two, the bond between the two and the program is as strong as some four-year players.
"They way they (ASU) has embraced me from the moment I stepped on campus has just been surreal and unbelievable, to be honest," said Cheatham. "I still get chills when someone knows my name without introducing myself."
"It was very emotional," said Lake. "I tried to cry, but I didn't way to cry. It was very special, the crowd was very awesome, and everything was good."
Hurley said it's immeasurable what Cheatham's meant to him for the last two years, noting the way he worked and pushed guys with his attitude and personality. If someone was walking into a room pushing positivity with an infectious smile, it was Cheatham.
"I pride myself on being good to people regardless if they can benefit you or not," said Cheatham. "Like I said when you put good energy in the atmosphere and treat people the right way they link on to that and with my fan base I think they see the passion and charisma I play with night in and night out."
When asked what he wanted ASU fans to remember about him, it was simple. He wants it known he is genuinely appreciative for his time as a Sun Devil.
"I love this guy, and we've been through so much in a short two years," said Cheatham on Lake. "He is a game changer as you guys saw tonight and when he comes in, he is ready to block shots and catch and finish."
The season isn't over for the Sun Devils as they have three more games with road trips to the Oregon schools and Arizona to round out the season. The first game of the Sun Devils stretch comes at Oregon on Feb. 28, at 8 p.m. MST on Pac-12 Networks.
COACH BOBBY HURLEY QUOTES
"Thought it was a great response in the second half, the way the guys played and performed on both ends of the floor, Rob had an outstanding spurt on offense that really gave us separation in the game. We had stop after stop, they took their time once they had the small advantage. They really went deep into the shot clocks and made us guard them late in possession. Then we had to guard them well and rebound, I thought we were ready for that challenge, really stepped up."
On senior night having an emotional impact early on in the game:
"You can tell how much it means to Zylan and Lake, they both were very emotional. Those games are really tricky and difficult when you add something like that, that's out of the normal routine. I thought Lake was very good with is minutes, very active. Got on the floor for a 50/50 ball, had some really good blocks and dunks. He did very well."
On what was said at halftime:
"I went in earlier than normal, I usually give them more time. I said what needed to be said. You can ask the guys what they thought of it. I don't know if it was good for them, wasn't great for me either, for my health."
On developing a better offense as the game went on:
"I just thought there was a part of us on offense that wanted it really fast. We just didn't let some of the half court possessions breathe a little bit and move the ball. We're not focused on our movements, getting into the high post doing some things we are able to do as the game progressed.
On Zylan's connection with the fan base:
"Not everyone has a real impact on a program the way he has. It's immeasurable what he's meant to me for two years. Last year, the way he worked and pushed the guys. His attitude, personality just had such a positive effect on everything we did. Same thing this year, he loves to play. He plays with his heart, soul, and emotion. He's just got a lot of special qualities that will do well for him beyond basketball when he is done playing."
On defensive adjustments between the halves:
"I just thought our approach was better, our aggression was better without fouling. There were a lot of things that went against us at the end of the first half that were a little unfortunate. We had to come with a deficit when it could've been a lot closer. We overcame that, and the guys looked like we were putting together consecutive, determined defensive possessions. Where we are pressuring the ball, moving our feet, contesting shots and rebounding. When you do all those things, good things will happen."
On Dort's game:
"Zylan is a terrific all-around player, but Lou's individual defense is as good as I've seen this season. I don't know if I've played against another guy or competed against another player that could harass and guard. The steal he had in the second half was huge. Just because he's giving extra effort. He's an elite guy, in the top percentile of athleticism. When you have the desire, athletic ability and mind for anticipation he is special at the end of the floor."
On peaking at the right time of the season with a three-game win streak:
"I think you have to do what it takes to win at this time of the year. You have to find a way through a game that may not be your best game. That's what we discovered tonight in the second half. I knew a lot of things coming in, like Cal coming in was minus 8 on the backboards against Pac-12 opponents. We're tied on the backboard, and we've been one of the better rebounding teams in the country. So, for whatever reason that didn't take place. They got way too many offensive rebounds early in the half. So, we can't afford to let those things happen in games. We found different ways to be effective tonight."
On Lake changing the defensive identity:
"Just when he's playing the rim protector, Romello is a great position defender. He will jump up and elevate and go straight up. De'quon can be an intimidator in the paint and a finisher. Those are the things we really need from him when he's out there. He was more active tonight, I think he wanted to finish his career the right way."
On reflecting upon the wins at home this season:
"Those are quality wins, I think we are establishing an identity for playing well at home here. We've won a lot of conference games at home, we can still improve in that department. The whole season the crowds were outstanding. When I was potentially critical, I guess it was more to try and remind everyone that we need them because of how our players feed off the energy they brought all year. Across the board our fans have showed up, and when you have recruits here and see that environment it helps for the future. Certainly, makes it a great place for our players to want to perform their best."
"You can tell how much it means to Zylan and Lake, they both were very emotional," said Hurley. "Those games are really tricky and difficult when you add something like that (senior day), that's out of the normal routine."
It was indeed a tricky start for Arizona State, connecting on just seven shots in the first 20 minutes after opening three-of-six. Remy Martin said it wasn't a pleasant sight to see, but it would not end with ASU in the loss column.
"We have a history of (starting bad,) especially against teams that we should supposedly be beating," said Martin. "But on senior night with De'Quon and Zylan and the managers, we weren't going to let that happen."
The Devils opened the second half looking like a completely different team they were in the first. They made their first eight shots, began on a 19-5 run and erased a six-point halftime deficit that ASU rode to victory against the Golden Bears (5-22; 0-15 Pac-12).
"Rob (Edwards) had an outstanding spurt on offense that really gave us separation in the game," said Hurley.
Edwards scored 14 of his 16 in the second half, including back-to-back triples that gave the Sun Devils their first double-digit lead of the game. Luguentz Dort led ASU with 22, notching his seventh 20-point game of the year and was efficient early when others were struggling to make a basket.
SUN DEVIL FRESHMAN 20-POINT GAMES (1972-73 to present)
18, Jahii Carson, 2012-13
16, James Harden, 2007-08
12, Ike Diogu, 2002-03
7, Jamal Faulkner, 1990-91
7, Luguentz Dort, 2018-19
"I don't know if I've played against another guy or competed against another player that could harass and guard," said Hurley on Dort. "He's an elite guy, in the top percentile of athleticism."
Zylan Cheatham on emotions surrounding Senior Day: 'It's been an amazing... https://t.co/JnHMglnK49 via @YouTube
— Sun Devil MBB (@SunDevilHoops) February 25, 2019
Once Arizona State found its groove, Sun Devil Nation was able to relax and appreciate the success of Cheatham and Lake in their final moments in front of their home crowd. Even though Cheatham had one year and Lake had two, the bond between the two and the program is as strong as some four-year players.
"They way they (ASU) has embraced me from the moment I stepped on campus has just been surreal and unbelievable, to be honest," said Cheatham. "I still get chills when someone knows my name without introducing myself."
"It was very emotional," said Lake. "I tried to cry, but I didn't way to cry. It was very special, the crowd was very awesome, and everything was good."
Hurley said it's immeasurable what Cheatham's meant to him for the last two years, noting the way he worked and pushed guys with his attitude and personality. If someone was walking into a room pushing positivity with an infectious smile, it was Cheatham.
"I pride myself on being good to people regardless if they can benefit you or not," said Cheatham. "Like I said when you put good energy in the atmosphere and treat people the right way they link on to that and with my fan base I think they see the passion and charisma I play with night in and night out."
When asked what he wanted ASU fans to remember about him, it was simple. He wants it known he is genuinely appreciative for his time as a Sun Devil.
"I love this guy, and we've been through so much in a short two years," said Cheatham on Lake. "He is a game changer as you guys saw tonight and when he comes in, he is ready to block shots and catch and finish."
The season isn't over for the Sun Devils as they have three more games with road trips to the Oregon schools and Arizona to round out the season. The first game of the Sun Devils stretch comes at Oregon on Feb. 28, at 8 p.m. MST on Pac-12 Networks.
COACH BOBBY HURLEY QUOTES
"Thought it was a great response in the second half, the way the guys played and performed on both ends of the floor, Rob had an outstanding spurt on offense that really gave us separation in the game. We had stop after stop, they took their time once they had the small advantage. They really went deep into the shot clocks and made us guard them late in possession. Then we had to guard them well and rebound, I thought we were ready for that challenge, really stepped up."
On senior night having an emotional impact early on in the game:
"You can tell how much it means to Zylan and Lake, they both were very emotional. Those games are really tricky and difficult when you add something like that, that's out of the normal routine. I thought Lake was very good with is minutes, very active. Got on the floor for a 50/50 ball, had some really good blocks and dunks. He did very well."
On what was said at halftime:
"I went in earlier than normal, I usually give them more time. I said what needed to be said. You can ask the guys what they thought of it. I don't know if it was good for them, wasn't great for me either, for my health."
On developing a better offense as the game went on:
"I just thought there was a part of us on offense that wanted it really fast. We just didn't let some of the half court possessions breathe a little bit and move the ball. We're not focused on our movements, getting into the high post doing some things we are able to do as the game progressed.
On Zylan's connection with the fan base:
"Not everyone has a real impact on a program the way he has. It's immeasurable what he's meant to me for two years. Last year, the way he worked and pushed the guys. His attitude, personality just had such a positive effect on everything we did. Same thing this year, he loves to play. He plays with his heart, soul, and emotion. He's just got a lot of special qualities that will do well for him beyond basketball when he is done playing."
On defensive adjustments between the halves:
"I just thought our approach was better, our aggression was better without fouling. There were a lot of things that went against us at the end of the first half that were a little unfortunate. We had to come with a deficit when it could've been a lot closer. We overcame that, and the guys looked like we were putting together consecutive, determined defensive possessions. Where we are pressuring the ball, moving our feet, contesting shots and rebounding. When you do all those things, good things will happen."
On Dort's game:
"Zylan is a terrific all-around player, but Lou's individual defense is as good as I've seen this season. I don't know if I've played against another guy or competed against another player that could harass and guard. The steal he had in the second half was huge. Just because he's giving extra effort. He's an elite guy, in the top percentile of athleticism. When you have the desire, athletic ability and mind for anticipation he is special at the end of the floor."
On peaking at the right time of the season with a three-game win streak:
"I think you have to do what it takes to win at this time of the year. You have to find a way through a game that may not be your best game. That's what we discovered tonight in the second half. I knew a lot of things coming in, like Cal coming in was minus 8 on the backboards against Pac-12 opponents. We're tied on the backboard, and we've been one of the better rebounding teams in the country. So, for whatever reason that didn't take place. They got way too many offensive rebounds early in the half. So, we can't afford to let those things happen in games. We found different ways to be effective tonight."
On Lake changing the defensive identity:
"Just when he's playing the rim protector, Romello is a great position defender. He will jump up and elevate and go straight up. De'quon can be an intimidator in the paint and a finisher. Those are the things we really need from him when he's out there. He was more active tonight, I think he wanted to finish his career the right way."
On reflecting upon the wins at home this season:
"Those are quality wins, I think we are establishing an identity for playing well at home here. We've won a lot of conference games at home, we can still improve in that department. The whole season the crowds were outstanding. When I was potentially critical, I guess it was more to try and remind everyone that we need them because of how our players feed off the energy they brought all year. Across the board our fans have showed up, and when you have recruits here and see that environment it helps for the future. Certainly, makes it a great place for our players to want to perform their best."