THE GAME: Sun Devil WBB (9-10, 1-6 Pac-12) vs. No. 6/5 Stanford (17-2, 6-1 Pac-12)
WHEN: Friday at 6 p.m. MST
WHERE: Desert Financial Arena • Tempe, Ariz.
WATCH: Pac-12 Network/Bay Area
RADIO: KDUS AM 1060
LIVE STATS: Click here
PURCHASE TICKETS: Click here
UP NEXT
After playing its last four games on the road, the Sun Devil women's basketball team returns home this weekend to host No. 6 Stanford (Friday at 6 p.m. MST) and Cal (Sunday at 12 p.m. MST).
The Sun Devils (9-10, 1-6 Pac-12) are currently in the middle of a laborious assignment, playing seven of nine games away from home. They started their current tour with consecutive trips to the Pacific Northwest for games at UO, OSU, WSU and UW. After this weekend's games, ASU will play three straight contests away from Desert Financial Arena: at Arizona (Feb. 4), at No. 11 USC (Feb. 9) and at No. 2 UCLA (Feb. 11).
Given the circumstances, ASU is coming off arguably its best performance of the season in a 73-65 win at Washington on Sunday. ASU was seeking its first Pac-12 win of the season after starting 0-6. To come away with its first success in league play, it had to overcome a Washington squad that had lost only once at home and came into the game first in the Pac-12 and seventh in the nation in scoring defense (52.4 ppg).
If that was not enough, ASU was playing the last of four straight games on the road – all four the furthest possible destinations from Tempe – and it was coming off a game at WSU in which starting guard Trayanna Crisp left the game after less than one quarter of play (returned to play vs. UW) and Maggie Besselink, playing for the first time after missing six games due to injury, was lost once again after getting hurt in the second half.
Jalyn Brown (11-20 FGs, 4-5 3FGs, 8-8 FTs) posted her second 30-point game of the season, finishing with 34 points. Brown, who scored 35 earlier this season vs. Colorado, posted her eighth game of the season with 20 or more points. In addition to capturing its first Pac-12 win of the season, ASU surpassed its win total from last season when it went 8-20.
ASU's 73 points represented the most given up by the Huskies this season. Furthermore, the Sun Devils tied a Washington opponent high by hitting eight triples. ASU was 61.5 percent (8-13) from downtown against the conference's top team and No. 13 in the nation in 3-point field goal percentage defense (24.8 percent coming into the game). Crisp scored 16 points and Jaddan Simmons added nine points to go along with a team-high six rebounds for the Sun Devils.
Stanford (17-2, 6-1), currently tied with No. 3 Colorado (16-2, 6-1) atop the Pac-12 standings, has won nine of its last 10 games. In Stanford's 65-56 win over Oregon on Sunday, legendary Cardinal head coach Tara VanDerveer won her 1,203rd career game, passing Mike Krzyzewski to become the winningest coach in NCAA basketball (men's or women's).
WATCH/LISTEN
Friday's game can be seen on Pac-12 Network/Bay Area (Cindy Brunson, Joan Bonvicini). The game can also be heard on KDUS AM 1060 Veteran broadcaster and the state of Arizona's 2010 & 2019 Broadcaster of the Year and a finalist for the 2023 award, Jeff Munn is in his 20th season as the voice of ASU women's basketball. He will be joined by former Sun Devil head coach Maura McHugh.
JALYN BROWN ASCENDING TO SUPERSTAR STATUS
• As the season has progressed, sophomore Jalyn Brown has evolved into one of the top offensive performers in the Pac-12. In Pac-12 games, Brown enters this weekend's action 2nd in scoring (23.0 ppg), 3rd in FT pct. (87.8/43-49) and 12th in O-rebs (2.14 rpg).
• Brown has played in 17 games (15 starts) and currently leads the team in 30-point games (2), 20-point games (8), scoring (17.3 ppg) and FT pct. (81.1), is 2nd in 3FGs (1.3 per game) and FTs made (60) and attempted (74), 3rd in assists (1.4 apg), steals (1.0 spg) and minutes (33:41).
• Brown scored in double figures 14x, including 12x in last 13 games. During that stretch, she is leading team in scoring 19.9 ppg, 3FGs per game (1.5) and FT pct. (85.2/52-61) and is 2nd in minutes (36.2 mpg).
MOST POINTS IN A GAME BY A SUN DEVIL SINCE 2000
35 - Jalyn Brown vs. Colorado (1/7/24)
34 - Jalyn Brown at Washington (1/21/24)
34 - Jade Loville at San Diego (12/18/21)
33 - Jade Loville vs. Oregon St. (2/4/22)
32 - Kylan Loney vs. Arizona (1/31/04)
30 - Kianna Ibis at Utah (12/31/17)
30 - Amanda Levens vs St. Peter's (11/17/01)
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• As of Jan. 24, 2023, ASU leads the Pac-12 in FT attempts per game (19.32), is 2nd in FTs made per game (13.42), 4th in offensive rebounds per game (11.9), fewest turnovers per game (13.3/33rd in the nation) and turnover margin (+2.74) and 6th in turnovers forced per game (16.0).
• Individually, Jaddan Simmons is ranked 20th in the nation in minutes per game (36:06), 24th in FTs made (84) and 26th in FT attempts (106).
• ASU has had 6 players lead/tie for team lead in scoring: Brown (7x), Simmons (5x), Kadidia Toure (4x), Crisp (4x), Treasure Hunt (1x) and Journey Thompson. Brown's career-high 35 points vs. No. 5 Colorado on Jan. 7, is the highest single-game total by a Sun Devil this season.
• In the rebounding department, 8 players have led/tied for the team lead: Thompson (6x), Simmons (5x), Maggie Besselink (4x), Toure (3x), Mallory Miller (2x), Sandra Magolico (2x), Brown (2x), Hunt (1x) and Isadora Souza (1x). Toure's 14-rebound game vs. San Francisco (Nov. 13) represents the most rebounds by a Sun Devil this season.
• ASU has averaged only 11.6 turnovers in its last 13 games. It has had 11 or fewer turnovers 7x during that stretch.
• On Dec. 20, Simmons (now with 1052 points) became the 25th Sun Devil to score more than 1000 points. Simmons played all 80 minutes on recent Washington road trip – at WSU (Jan. 19) and at UW (Jan. 21) – and averaged 11.0 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 5.0 apg, 3.0 spg and connected on 87.5 percent of her free throws (14-16).
• In ASU's games vs. Colorado (Jan. 7) and at Oregon (Jan. 12), Isadora Sousa shot 73 percent (8-11 FGs) and averaged 9.0 points in the two contests. She scored career-high 12 points at WSU (Jan. 19).
• Crisp scored a then-career high 17 points 2x in ASU's first seven games. She surpassed that with 18 points vs. GCU (Dec. 8). Crisp has scored in double figures in all but 5 games. She averaged 14.0 ppg in 4 games prior to Utah game in which she left early due to injury. During that stretch: led team in assists (2.75 apg) and was tied with J. Simmons for lead in steals (2.5 spg).
• ASU has allowed 13 or fewer points in a quarter 22x, including 7x in single digits.
• ASU scored a double-digit point total in each of the first 20 quarters of the season. Overall, it has scored in double figures in 61 of 76 quarters.
IN CASE YOU ARE JUST JOINING US
• ASU has had a pair of season-best three-game winning streaks in 2023-24. It started 3-0 after home wins over UTSA (70-55/Nov. 6), Montana State (75-62/Nov. 10) & San Francisco (77-69/Nov. 13). In the first half of its first three wins, ASU averaged 45.3 points & hit 49.5 pct of its shots. In the win vs. UTSA, ASU tied last season's highest point total in a half on its way to a 49-23 halftime lead. Against Montana State (Nov. 30), ASU scored 30 points in the first quarter, representing the third time it has scored 30 or more points in a quarter under head coach Natasha Adair.
• In its first loss at Grambling State (Nov. 16), ASU scored 32 points and shot 38 pct. in the first half while allowing the Tigers to score 45 points. Down by as many as 17, ASU tied the game at 67-67 before the Tigers hit game-winning 3-pointer in final seconds.
• ASU responded with a 72-40 win over Idaho State. The Bengals' final point total represented the fewest given up by ASU since a 49-40 win over VCU on November 27, 2020.
• After dropping an 84-42 decision to Texas in its first game at the Virgin Islands Paradise Jam (Nov. 23), ASU once again rebounded with a 3-game winning streak. Less than 24 hours after the setback to Texas, ASU had to face a South Florida squad (Nov. 24) that entered the game among the Top 50 teams in the nation in rebounding margin (+10.8). ASU rose to the challenge and outrebounded the Bulls 38-32 in its 66-49 win. In its 77-69 win over High Point (Nov. 25), ASU shot 50 percent for the game, the first time it shot 50 percent or higher since a win at San Diego on Dec. 18, 2021. Brown had her first 20-point game, while Hunt just missed a double-double with season highs in points (19) and rebounds (game-high 8 boards).
• ASU made it three straight wins after a 76-66 triumph over Pacific (Dec. 1). Simmons scored 17 of her career-high 26 points in the 2nd half, including 8 points in the final 94 seconds while Brown contributed a career high-tying 20 points for the second straight game.
• The Sun Devils nearly came back from 14 down in the 4th quarter (got within 4 points 2x) before falling to Grand Canyon, 66-59 on Dec. 8. Simmons (20 points), Crisp (18 points) and Brown (16 points) scored all but five of ASU's points. ASU was without Hunt (illness) in the loss.
• ASU dropped consecutive games for the first time this season after falling to Arizona 91-52 in the Pac-12 opener for both teams. The Wildcats got off to a fast start that eventually enabled them to take a 52-24 lead at the half.
• ASU got back on the winning track scoring a season high in an 80-76 win over Fresno State as part of the Jerry Colangelo Hall of Fame Series played at Footprint Series in Phoenix. Toure scored 12 of her career high-tying 22 points in the second half while Brown continued her streak of scoring in double figures in games she has started (eight) with 20 points. Crisp scored 12 points while Simmons and Thompson (career-high four steals) scored 10 points each. ASU shot 49 percent for the game, its second-highest mark of the season. Simmons, who went over 1,000 career points in the fourth quarter of the win, set a career high with eight assists and hit a pair of free throws with six seconds remaining to help clinch the win.
• The short-handed Sun Devils nearly came back from a double-digit deficit but in the end did not have enough to get over the hump in 65-55 loss to Santa Clara (Dec. 30). Crisp and (12 points), Simmons (11 points) and Toure (10 points) led the way for the Sun Devils (8-5), who were without key contributors Maggie Besselink and Treasure Hunt. The Sun Devils trailed by as many as 12 in the first half before transforming their defense into a riddle Santa Clara had no answers for during the latter stages of the first half and for the entire third quarter. The net result was a game tied at 44-44 entering the fourth quarter. Santa Clara outscored ASU 21-11 in the 4th Q.
• ASU came through with one of its most inspired defensive efforts of the season in holding one of the most prolific offenses in the country more than 30 points below its scoring average. Unfortunately, ASU was not able to do enough on the offensive end in a 58-41 loss to No. 15 Utah on Friday night.
• Brown scored 35 points, the most by a Sun Devil in the 21st century and the highest single-game total by a player this season in a game contested between two Pac-12 teams, in ASU's 81-68 loss to No. 5 Colorado on Jan. 7.
• The Sun Devils dropped both of their contests at the Oregon schools: 65-53 at Oregon and 92-55 at Oregon State. Brown led the team in scoring, averaging 15.5 ppg and knocking down 83 percent of her free throws (10-12) in the two games. Also providing major contributions last week was Journey Thompson, who averaged 14.0 points and 4.5 rebounds, the second time this season Thompson has scored in double figures in consecutive games.
• After falling at WSU 79-64 (Jan. 19), ASU captured its first Pac-12 win at Washington, 73-65 on Jan. 21. Brown posted her second 30-point game of the season, finishing with 34 points to lead the Sun Devils to the win.
ASU WITHOUT ALL-PAC-12 STANDOUT TYI SKINNER IN 2023-24
Although the Sun Devil women's basketball team's overall health is a 180-degree difference from last season, the squad was dealt a tremendous blow when Natasha Adair announced Oct. 4, 2023 that senior guard Tyi Skinner would miss the 2023-24 season due to a knee injury.
Skinner, who last season earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention honors from the league's coaches and All-Pac-12 recognition from media who cover the league, quickly established herself as one of top scorers in the Pac-12 and one of the most exciting players in the nation to watch in her first season in Tempe.
In 2022-23, Skinner scored 20 or more points 15 times, including a career-high 29 points on two occasions. A starter in all 28 games, Skinner went on to average 19.3 points per game, the most by a Sun Devil since the 1988-89 season. She concluded her first campaign in the Maroon and Gold among the leaders in the Pac-12 in points per game (19.3/2nd/27th in the nation), 3-pointers per game (2.43 per game/2nd), minutes per game (36.59/3rd/29th in the nation), free throws made (79/3rd) and attempted (91/4th), steals per game (1.71/5th), 3-point FG percentage (34.7/6th) and free throw percentage (78.1/8th).
PLAYER NOTES
#1 • Kadidia Toure • F • 6-3 • So. • Silver Spring, Md.
• Transferred to ASU in 2023 (played @James Madison as freshman).
• Has played in every game (7 starts) and leads the team in FG pct. (45.4), is 2nd in O-rebs (1.9 rpg), 3rd in rebounds per game (4.5 rpg) and 4th in scoring (6.9 ppg).
• Consecutive games vs. Fresno State (Dec. 20) and vs. Santa Clara (Dec. 30): Led team in scoring (16.0 ppg) and rebs (6.5 rpg). Tied career high (22 points) vs. Fresno State.
• During earlier 3-game stretch (game Nos. 2-4), averaged 19.0 ppg & 9.3 rebs per game... Posted first career double-double with career highs in points (22) & rebounds (14) vs. San Francisco (Nov. 13).
• Four-year varsity player for Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.). As a senior in 2022, the league's player of the year averaged 14 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks on her way to WCAC Player of the Year honors and first-team All-Met recognition.
#2 • Jaddan Simmons • G • 5-9 • Sr. • Houston, Texas
• Has started 95 of 96 career games (11.0 ppg avg./1052 career points/20th all time).
• Currently leads ASU in FTs attempted (106) & made (84), rebounding (4.7 rpg), assists (3.2 apg), steals (2.0 spg) and minutes (36.03 mpg), is tied for 2nd in scoring (10.9 ppg), is 2nd in FT pct. (79.2) and 3rd in O-rebs (1.5 rpg).
• Has grabbed season-high 7 rebounds 5x this season, had 3 or more steals 7x this season (season-best 5 vs. GCU and at WSU) and 5 or more assists 3x (career-high 8 assists vs. Fresno State).
• Played all 80 minutes on Washington road trip – at WSU (Jan. 19) and at UW (Jan. 21) – and averaged 11.0 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 5.0 apg, 3.0 spg and connected on 87.5 percent of her free throws (14-16).
• In the month of December (vs. Pacific, vs. GCU, vs. Arizona, vs. Fresno State, vs. Santa Clara), averaged 15.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.4 spg, 6.8 FT attempts. In ASU's win over Fresno State (Dec. 20), Simmons had a career-high 8 assists with zero turnovers.
• Scored career-high 26 points in ASU's win over Pacific (Dec. 1) and was named to Briann January Classic All-Tournament Team.
• First 4 games of season: Averaged 16.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.8 apg, 3.0 spg and shot 56 pct 3FG (5-9) and 90 pct (27-30) from the line.
• Superb all-around effort at WSU (Jan. 19) included 13 points, seven rebounds, game-high seven assists and game-high five steals.
#3 • Tyi Skinner • G • 5-5 • Sr. • Washington, D.C.
• Was announced on October 4, 2023 that Tyi Skinner will miss the 2023-24 season due to a knee injury.
• Made an immediate impact in her first season as a Sun Devil, earning All Pac-12 recognition from media that cover the league and Pac-12 HM honors from the league's coaches for a season in which she started all 28 games and averaged the most points per game (19.2) in a season since 1988-89.
• Scored in double figures in 25/28 games, including 15x w/20 or more points & finished 2nd in the Pac-12/27th in the nation in ppg.
#4 • Trayanna Crisp • G • 5-8 • So. • Goodyear, Ariz.
• Has played in 47 career games (23 starts).
• Has played in every game (16 starts) this season and has scored in double figures in all but 5 games. In two games – vs. Utah (Jan. 5) and at WSU (Jan. 19) – didn't return after getting injured in 1st Q.
• Leads ASU in 3FGs (1.4 per game), is tied for 2nd in scoring (10.9 ppg), is 2nd in assists (2.4 apg), steals (1.4 spg) and minutes (30:40 mpg) and 3rd in FT pct. (76.7).
• Scored 11 of 16 points in 2nd half of ASU's win at UW (Jan. 21).
• Five games prior to contest vs. Utah: Averaged 13.6 ppg (2nd on team) and tied for team lead in steals (2.2 spg).
• Scored a then-career high 17 points 2x in ASU's first 7 games and surpassed that in 10th game with 18 vs. Grand Canyon (Dec. 8).
• Averaged 14.3 ppg in earlier 4-game stretch (included pair of career-high 17-point efforts vs. Idaho State and vs. South Florida). Also had career-high 6 assists (0 TOs) vs. Idaho State.
10 • Marina Radocaj • G/F • 6-2 • Fr. • Richmond, British Columbia
• Earned spots on Canada's U16 and U17 teams.
• Member of the 2021 U16 Canadian Team that placed second at FIBA Americas. Radocaj averaged 9.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in the six games she played (all starts).
• Played in 5 games at 2022 FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup.
• Has played in 6 games for ASU this season.. Hit one of ASU's nine 3-pointers in season-opening win over UTSA (Nov. 6).
#11 • Maggie Besselink • G/F • 6-3 • Sr. • Kingston, Ontario
• After missing the 2022-23 season due to injury, made her return to the floor in 2023-24.
• Played and started in first 11 games and is 2nd on the team in rebounds per game (4.6 rpg) and 4th in O-rebounds per game (1.3 rpg).
• Missed six games due to injury (starting with contest vs. Fresno State on Dec. 20)... Returned to action at Washington State (Jan. 19) and was limited to 7 minutes before leaving the game due to injury and did not play at UW (Jan. 21).
• Besselink, who had not played in a game since Feb. 6, 2022, was not only in the starting lineup in the season opener, but also played a major role in igniting ASU's offense after hitting back-to-back triples in the first quarter vs. UTSA (Nov. 6).
• Scored 11 points and grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds to post her second career double-double at Grambling State (Nov. 16).
• Added 10 points and career-high 3 steals vs. Idaho State (Nov. 19).
#12 • Treasure Hunt • G • 6-2 • Sr. • Chattanooga, Tenn.
• In her first season as a Sun Devil, played & started in 27 games and averaged 34.1 minutes, 11.3 points and 6.1 rebounds. Also made 28 3-pointers and had 22 blocks and 25 steals. Had career-high 24 points vs. Arizona on Jan. 22, 2023, and had career-best 15 rebounds at New Mexico on Nov. 20, 2022.
• Including 2 seasons at Kentucky, started 60 of 83 career games.
• Was announced on January 12 that she would not be playing due to personal reasons. Last game played was vs. Fresno State (Dec. 20). Return is TBD.
• Played in 11 of first 12 games (3 starts and is currently averaging 6.9 ppg (5th on team).
• Was named to Reef Division All-Tournament Team of the Paradise Jam (Nov. 23-25) after averaging 14.7 ppg while shooting 56 percent (19-34 FGs), including 50 percent (5-10) from long distance, in ASU's 3 contests... Posted season highs in points (19) and rebounds (8) in win over High Point.
#13 • Sandra Magolico • F • 6-2 • Jr. • Maputo, Mozambique
• Transferred to ASU after playing two seasons at New Mexico CC.
• Has played in all but 2 games (vs. Santa Clara Dec. 30/and at WSU Jan. 19) this season (3 starts). Earned starting spot during ASU's time competing at the Paradise Jam: vs. South Florida on Nov. 24 (scored 8 points, led ASU with 7 boards and tied for team lead with 3 steals) and vs. High Point on Nov. 25 (4 points and 5 rebounds).
• In 2019, competed for the Mozambique national team, playing in nine games and averaged 11.0 minutes per game.
• Started 28/30 games in 2022-23, leading New Mexico JC to a 26-6 record and a Round of 16 finish in the NJCAA WBB Championship.
#21 • Hanna Miller • F • 6-2 • So. • Aberdeen, S.D.
• The sister of freshman Sun Devil Mallory Miller, transferred to ASU from Dodge City CC (Dodge City, Kan.) where she played in 23 games (3 starts) and averaged 11.3 minutes per game.
• As a senior in HS, teamed with Mallory to lead Aberdeen Christian to a 21-5 record and a berth in the Class B girls basketball tournament.
• Has played in 3 games and accounted for first points of career (4/1-1 3FG/1-2 FTs) in win vs. Idaho State (Nov. 19).
#22 • Journey Thompson • F • 6-3 • So. • McMurray, Pa.
• Played in 13 games (3 starts) as a freshman before having season prematurely come to an end due to injury.
• Has played in every game this season (15 starts) and leads the team in offensive rebs (2.0 rpg) and blocks (0.6 bpg), is 4th in rebounds (4.4 rpg) and steals (0.9 spg).
• Connected on half her shots (6-12 FGs) and scored 12 points vs. Oregon (Jan. 12) and followed that with career-high 16 points and 5 rebounds at Oregon State (Jan. 14).
• Has led/tied for team lead in rebs 5x and scored in double figures 7x.
• Scored 13 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for ASU's first double-double of the season in win vs. Montana State (Nov. 10).
• Scored 12 points in her first start of the season vs. San Francisco (Nov. 13) and had another 12-point outing vs. Idaho State (Nov. 19).
• Produced high-quality game in Paradise Jam finale vs. High Point on Nov. 25: 11 points (5-6 FGs) and 8 rebounds and scored 6 points to go with 8 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals vs. Pacific (Dec. 1).
#23 • Jalyn Brown • G • 6-1 • So. • Baltimore, Md.
• Transferred to ASU in from Louisville is 2023.
• As the season has progressed, has evolved into one of the top offensive performers in the Pac-12. In Pac-12 games, is 2nd in scoring (23.0 ppg), 3rd in FT pct. (87.8/43-49) and 12th in O-rebs (2.14 rpg).
• Has played in 17 games (15 starts) and currently leads the team in 30-point games (2), 20-point games (8), scoring (17.3 ppg) and FT pct. (81.1), is 2nd in 3FGs (1.3 per game) and free throws made (60) and attempted (74), 3rd in assists (1.4 apg), steals (1.0 spg) and minutes (33:41).
• Has scored in double figures 14x, including 12x in last 13 games. During that 13-game stretch is leading team in scoring 19.9 ppg, 3-pointers per game (1.5 3FG per game), FT pct. (85.2/52-61) and is 2nd in minutes (36.2 mpg).
• Has scored in double figures in 14 of 15 games she's started (earlier this season came off the bench 2x after missing 2 games due to injury).
• In contest vs. No. 5 Colorado on Jan. 7, scored 35 points, most by a Sun Devil in the 21st century and the second-highest total by a player this season in a Pac-12 game (as of Jan. 20).
• Post her 2nd 30-point game, scoring 34 points(11-20 FGs, 4-5 3FGs, 8-8 FTs) in ASU's first Pac-12 win at Washington (Jan. 21).
• Had tremendous Sun Devil debut: Scored 16 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in ASU's season-opening win vs. UTSA (Nov. 6). Followed that with an 11-point outing vs. Montana State (Nov. 10).
• Missed games vs. San Francisco (Nov. 13) & at Grambling State (Nov. 16) before returning in reserve role vs. Idaho State (Nov. 19).
• Was named to Reef Division All-Tournament Team of the Paradise Jam (Nov. 23-25) after averaging a team-high 17.0 ppg while hitting 54 percent of her shots (13-24) in ASU's two wins. Against South Florida (Nov. 24), scored 10 of 14 points & hit both of her 3-pointers during a game-changing 3rd quarter in which ASU outscored the Bulls 24-6… Added a game-high 20 points in ASU's win over High Point (Nov. 25).
• Scored 11 of 20 points in 1st quarter vs. Pacific (Dec. 1) and was named to Briann January Classic All-Tournament Team.
• Scored 16 points vs. Grand Canyon (Dec. 8) and followed that with 19 points and career-high 8 rebounds vs. Arizona (Dec. 17), career high-tying 20 points vs. Fresno State (Dec. 20) and career-high 4 steals vs. Santa Clara (Dec. 30).
#24 • Mallory Miller • F • 6-4 • Fr. • Aberdeen, S.D.
• The sister of ASU guard Hanna Miller, Mallory was named a KELOLAND Media Group All-Star Girls Basketball Player of the Year finalist and nominated Miss Basketball 2023 for the state of South Dakota after averaging 18.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
• Led Wolsey-Wessington to a 22-3 record an appearance in the state semifinals (its first appearance in the state tournament) and the state's top seed in 2023.
• As a junior, teamed with sister Hanna to help Aberdeen Christian to a 21-5 record & a berth in the Class B girls basketball tournament.
• Has played in 17 contests and is averaging 10.7 minutes per game.
• Tied for team lead in rebs (7) & had 4 points vs. Idaho State (Nov. 19).
• Best game of season to date came at WSU (Jan. 19): career highs in scoring (15 points), rebounds (8) and minutes (30).
#25 • Adison Novosel • G • 5-11 • Jr. • Richfield, Ohio
• Has played in 11 games for ASU this season.
• All six of her 3-pointers have come in last 5 games.
• Logged a season-high 30 minutes and knocked down season-high 3 triples vs. No. 15 Utah (Jan. 5).
• Transferred to ASU in 2023 after playing first two seasons at Saint Francis University where she appeared in 35 contests (25 starts).
• After appearing in seven games off the bench as a freshman, started 25 of 28 games in 2022-23.
• As a sophomore, led Saint Francis with 29 triples and posted career highs in points (12) and 3-pointers (4) vs. Central Connecticut State (Jan. 28).
#30 • Morasha Wiggins • G • 6-0 • Jr. • Kalamazoo, Mich.
• Transferred to ASU after playing her freshman season (2021-22) at North Carolina.
• Ranked 18th in the ESPNW Class of 2021 rankings, Wiggins was expected to be an impact player for the Sun Devils before suffering a preseason injury that forced her to miss the entire 2022-23 campaign.
• Played in 6 games in 2023-24 before prematurely having her season end due to knee injury.
• Played 23 minutes and scored 8 points and hit all 4 FTs in her Sun Devil debut vs. San Francisco (Nov. 13).
• Is averaging 12.6 minutes per game and is shooting 50 percent from the floor (6-12 FGs).
#44 • Isadora Sousa • G • 6-0 • Grad. • Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Has played in 38 games (14 starts) in her 3 seasons with ASU.
• Has worked hard to come back from injury each of her three seasons and has proven to be an effective performer when on the floor.
• Made her 2023-24 debut vs. Arizona (Dec. 17) and played 9 minutes. Did not play vs. Fresno State (Dec. 20) but started ASU's game vs. Santa Clara (Dec. 30) and scored 7 points and had 3 rebounds in 19 minutes.
• Has started 7 of 8 games she has played this season.
• Had career highs in points (10) & steals (3) vs. No. 5 Colorado (Jan. 7). Set career high for 2nd time in 4 games after scoring 12 points at Washington State (Jan. 19).
• Is shooting 46 percent from beyond the arc (6-13).
• In 2022-23, had the second-highest field goal percentage on the team, shooting 44.8%.
• Missed first 10 games due to injury before playing in first game of 2023-24 vs. Arizona (Dec. 17).
RECAPPING THE 2022-23 SEASON
Despite a spate of unlucky injuries to key personnel, the Sun Devils had several noteworthy accomplishments during Adair's inaugural season in Tempe. The accomplishments included...
• Starting 5-0 for the first time since 2002-03.
• Finishing the season No. 2 in the Pac-12 and 10th in the nation in fewest turnovers per game (12.3). Only ASU's 2017-18 squad averaged fewer turnovers per game (11.7) in a season.
• Even with all its injuries, ASU nearly pulled off three Top 25 upsets in the season's final five games: vs. No. 21 Colorado (62-70), vs. No. 4 Utah (69-74) and vs. No. 19 UCLA (70-81-OT) in the first round of the Pac-12 Tournament. After trailing the Bruins by as many as 19 points in the third quarter, the Sun Devils staged a furious rally to take a two-point lead in regulation before falling in overtime. The win would have been ASU's biggest comeback in school history.
• In their 75-73 win at Oregon State, the Sun Devils overcame their second-largest deficit in school history (17 points). The victory was also No. 175 of Adair's career.
• Individually, Sun Devil guards Jaddan Simmons (Pac-12 All-Defense honorable mention) and Tyi Skinner (All-Pac-12 honorable mention) comprised one of the most talented backcourts in the country. Both players earned Pac-12 honors as voted on by the league's head coaches. Skinner, who finished second in the Pac-12 and 27th in the nation in scoring (19.2 ppg), was also named to the media's 15-member All-Pac-12 team.
WHEN: Friday at 6 p.m. MST
WHERE: Desert Financial Arena • Tempe, Ariz.
WATCH: Pac-12 Network/Bay Area
RADIO: KDUS AM 1060
LIVE STATS: Click here
PURCHASE TICKETS: Click here
UP NEXT
After playing its last four games on the road, the Sun Devil women's basketball team returns home this weekend to host No. 6 Stanford (Friday at 6 p.m. MST) and Cal (Sunday at 12 p.m. MST).
The Sun Devils (9-10, 1-6 Pac-12) are currently in the middle of a laborious assignment, playing seven of nine games away from home. They started their current tour with consecutive trips to the Pacific Northwest for games at UO, OSU, WSU and UW. After this weekend's games, ASU will play three straight contests away from Desert Financial Arena: at Arizona (Feb. 4), at No. 11 USC (Feb. 9) and at No. 2 UCLA (Feb. 11).
Given the circumstances, ASU is coming off arguably its best performance of the season in a 73-65 win at Washington on Sunday. ASU was seeking its first Pac-12 win of the season after starting 0-6. To come away with its first success in league play, it had to overcome a Washington squad that had lost only once at home and came into the game first in the Pac-12 and seventh in the nation in scoring defense (52.4 ppg).
If that was not enough, ASU was playing the last of four straight games on the road – all four the furthest possible destinations from Tempe – and it was coming off a game at WSU in which starting guard Trayanna Crisp left the game after less than one quarter of play (returned to play vs. UW) and Maggie Besselink, playing for the first time after missing six games due to injury, was lost once again after getting hurt in the second half.
Jalyn Brown (11-20 FGs, 4-5 3FGs, 8-8 FTs) posted her second 30-point game of the season, finishing with 34 points. Brown, who scored 35 earlier this season vs. Colorado, posted her eighth game of the season with 20 or more points. In addition to capturing its first Pac-12 win of the season, ASU surpassed its win total from last season when it went 8-20.
ASU's 73 points represented the most given up by the Huskies this season. Furthermore, the Sun Devils tied a Washington opponent high by hitting eight triples. ASU was 61.5 percent (8-13) from downtown against the conference's top team and No. 13 in the nation in 3-point field goal percentage defense (24.8 percent coming into the game). Crisp scored 16 points and Jaddan Simmons added nine points to go along with a team-high six rebounds for the Sun Devils.
Stanford (17-2, 6-1), currently tied with No. 3 Colorado (16-2, 6-1) atop the Pac-12 standings, has won nine of its last 10 games. In Stanford's 65-56 win over Oregon on Sunday, legendary Cardinal head coach Tara VanDerveer won her 1,203rd career game, passing Mike Krzyzewski to become the winningest coach in NCAA basketball (men's or women's).
WATCH/LISTEN
Friday's game can be seen on Pac-12 Network/Bay Area (Cindy Brunson, Joan Bonvicini). The game can also be heard on KDUS AM 1060 Veteran broadcaster and the state of Arizona's 2010 & 2019 Broadcaster of the Year and a finalist for the 2023 award, Jeff Munn is in his 20th season as the voice of ASU women's basketball. He will be joined by former Sun Devil head coach Maura McHugh.
JALYN BROWN ASCENDING TO SUPERSTAR STATUS
• As the season has progressed, sophomore Jalyn Brown has evolved into one of the top offensive performers in the Pac-12. In Pac-12 games, Brown enters this weekend's action 2nd in scoring (23.0 ppg), 3rd in FT pct. (87.8/43-49) and 12th in O-rebs (2.14 rpg).
• Brown has played in 17 games (15 starts) and currently leads the team in 30-point games (2), 20-point games (8), scoring (17.3 ppg) and FT pct. (81.1), is 2nd in 3FGs (1.3 per game) and FTs made (60) and attempted (74), 3rd in assists (1.4 apg), steals (1.0 spg) and minutes (33:41).
• Brown scored in double figures 14x, including 12x in last 13 games. During that stretch, she is leading team in scoring 19.9 ppg, 3FGs per game (1.5) and FT pct. (85.2/52-61) and is 2nd in minutes (36.2 mpg).
MOST POINTS IN A GAME BY A SUN DEVIL SINCE 2000
35 - Jalyn Brown vs. Colorado (1/7/24)
34 - Jalyn Brown at Washington (1/21/24)
34 - Jade Loville at San Diego (12/18/21)
33 - Jade Loville vs. Oregon St. (2/4/22)
32 - Kylan Loney vs. Arizona (1/31/04)
30 - Kianna Ibis at Utah (12/31/17)
30 - Amanda Levens vs St. Peter's (11/17/01)
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• As of Jan. 24, 2023, ASU leads the Pac-12 in FT attempts per game (19.32), is 2nd in FTs made per game (13.42), 4th in offensive rebounds per game (11.9), fewest turnovers per game (13.3/33rd in the nation) and turnover margin (+2.74) and 6th in turnovers forced per game (16.0).
• Individually, Jaddan Simmons is ranked 20th in the nation in minutes per game (36:06), 24th in FTs made (84) and 26th in FT attempts (106).
• ASU has had 6 players lead/tie for team lead in scoring: Brown (7x), Simmons (5x), Kadidia Toure (4x), Crisp (4x), Treasure Hunt (1x) and Journey Thompson. Brown's career-high 35 points vs. No. 5 Colorado on Jan. 7, is the highest single-game total by a Sun Devil this season.
• In the rebounding department, 8 players have led/tied for the team lead: Thompson (6x), Simmons (5x), Maggie Besselink (4x), Toure (3x), Mallory Miller (2x), Sandra Magolico (2x), Brown (2x), Hunt (1x) and Isadora Souza (1x). Toure's 14-rebound game vs. San Francisco (Nov. 13) represents the most rebounds by a Sun Devil this season.
• ASU has averaged only 11.6 turnovers in its last 13 games. It has had 11 or fewer turnovers 7x during that stretch.
• On Dec. 20, Simmons (now with 1052 points) became the 25th Sun Devil to score more than 1000 points. Simmons played all 80 minutes on recent Washington road trip – at WSU (Jan. 19) and at UW (Jan. 21) – and averaged 11.0 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 5.0 apg, 3.0 spg and connected on 87.5 percent of her free throws (14-16).
• In ASU's games vs. Colorado (Jan. 7) and at Oregon (Jan. 12), Isadora Sousa shot 73 percent (8-11 FGs) and averaged 9.0 points in the two contests. She scored career-high 12 points at WSU (Jan. 19).
• Crisp scored a then-career high 17 points 2x in ASU's first seven games. She surpassed that with 18 points vs. GCU (Dec. 8). Crisp has scored in double figures in all but 5 games. She averaged 14.0 ppg in 4 games prior to Utah game in which she left early due to injury. During that stretch: led team in assists (2.75 apg) and was tied with J. Simmons for lead in steals (2.5 spg).
• ASU has allowed 13 or fewer points in a quarter 22x, including 7x in single digits.
• ASU scored a double-digit point total in each of the first 20 quarters of the season. Overall, it has scored in double figures in 61 of 76 quarters.
IN CASE YOU ARE JUST JOINING US
• ASU has had a pair of season-best three-game winning streaks in 2023-24. It started 3-0 after home wins over UTSA (70-55/Nov. 6), Montana State (75-62/Nov. 10) & San Francisco (77-69/Nov. 13). In the first half of its first three wins, ASU averaged 45.3 points & hit 49.5 pct of its shots. In the win vs. UTSA, ASU tied last season's highest point total in a half on its way to a 49-23 halftime lead. Against Montana State (Nov. 30), ASU scored 30 points in the first quarter, representing the third time it has scored 30 or more points in a quarter under head coach Natasha Adair.
• In its first loss at Grambling State (Nov. 16), ASU scored 32 points and shot 38 pct. in the first half while allowing the Tigers to score 45 points. Down by as many as 17, ASU tied the game at 67-67 before the Tigers hit game-winning 3-pointer in final seconds.
• ASU responded with a 72-40 win over Idaho State. The Bengals' final point total represented the fewest given up by ASU since a 49-40 win over VCU on November 27, 2020.
• After dropping an 84-42 decision to Texas in its first game at the Virgin Islands Paradise Jam (Nov. 23), ASU once again rebounded with a 3-game winning streak. Less than 24 hours after the setback to Texas, ASU had to face a South Florida squad (Nov. 24) that entered the game among the Top 50 teams in the nation in rebounding margin (+10.8). ASU rose to the challenge and outrebounded the Bulls 38-32 in its 66-49 win. In its 77-69 win over High Point (Nov. 25), ASU shot 50 percent for the game, the first time it shot 50 percent or higher since a win at San Diego on Dec. 18, 2021. Brown had her first 20-point game, while Hunt just missed a double-double with season highs in points (19) and rebounds (game-high 8 boards).
• ASU made it three straight wins after a 76-66 triumph over Pacific (Dec. 1). Simmons scored 17 of her career-high 26 points in the 2nd half, including 8 points in the final 94 seconds while Brown contributed a career high-tying 20 points for the second straight game.
• The Sun Devils nearly came back from 14 down in the 4th quarter (got within 4 points 2x) before falling to Grand Canyon, 66-59 on Dec. 8. Simmons (20 points), Crisp (18 points) and Brown (16 points) scored all but five of ASU's points. ASU was without Hunt (illness) in the loss.
• ASU dropped consecutive games for the first time this season after falling to Arizona 91-52 in the Pac-12 opener for both teams. The Wildcats got off to a fast start that eventually enabled them to take a 52-24 lead at the half.
• ASU got back on the winning track scoring a season high in an 80-76 win over Fresno State as part of the Jerry Colangelo Hall of Fame Series played at Footprint Series in Phoenix. Toure scored 12 of her career high-tying 22 points in the second half while Brown continued her streak of scoring in double figures in games she has started (eight) with 20 points. Crisp scored 12 points while Simmons and Thompson (career-high four steals) scored 10 points each. ASU shot 49 percent for the game, its second-highest mark of the season. Simmons, who went over 1,000 career points in the fourth quarter of the win, set a career high with eight assists and hit a pair of free throws with six seconds remaining to help clinch the win.
• The short-handed Sun Devils nearly came back from a double-digit deficit but in the end did not have enough to get over the hump in 65-55 loss to Santa Clara (Dec. 30). Crisp and (12 points), Simmons (11 points) and Toure (10 points) led the way for the Sun Devils (8-5), who were without key contributors Maggie Besselink and Treasure Hunt. The Sun Devils trailed by as many as 12 in the first half before transforming their defense into a riddle Santa Clara had no answers for during the latter stages of the first half and for the entire third quarter. The net result was a game tied at 44-44 entering the fourth quarter. Santa Clara outscored ASU 21-11 in the 4th Q.
• ASU came through with one of its most inspired defensive efforts of the season in holding one of the most prolific offenses in the country more than 30 points below its scoring average. Unfortunately, ASU was not able to do enough on the offensive end in a 58-41 loss to No. 15 Utah on Friday night.
• Brown scored 35 points, the most by a Sun Devil in the 21st century and the highest single-game total by a player this season in a game contested between two Pac-12 teams, in ASU's 81-68 loss to No. 5 Colorado on Jan. 7.
• The Sun Devils dropped both of their contests at the Oregon schools: 65-53 at Oregon and 92-55 at Oregon State. Brown led the team in scoring, averaging 15.5 ppg and knocking down 83 percent of her free throws (10-12) in the two games. Also providing major contributions last week was Journey Thompson, who averaged 14.0 points and 4.5 rebounds, the second time this season Thompson has scored in double figures in consecutive games.
• After falling at WSU 79-64 (Jan. 19), ASU captured its first Pac-12 win at Washington, 73-65 on Jan. 21. Brown posted her second 30-point game of the season, finishing with 34 points to lead the Sun Devils to the win.
ASU WITHOUT ALL-PAC-12 STANDOUT TYI SKINNER IN 2023-24
Although the Sun Devil women's basketball team's overall health is a 180-degree difference from last season, the squad was dealt a tremendous blow when Natasha Adair announced Oct. 4, 2023 that senior guard Tyi Skinner would miss the 2023-24 season due to a knee injury.
Skinner, who last season earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention honors from the league's coaches and All-Pac-12 recognition from media who cover the league, quickly established herself as one of top scorers in the Pac-12 and one of the most exciting players in the nation to watch in her first season in Tempe.
In 2022-23, Skinner scored 20 or more points 15 times, including a career-high 29 points on two occasions. A starter in all 28 games, Skinner went on to average 19.3 points per game, the most by a Sun Devil since the 1988-89 season. She concluded her first campaign in the Maroon and Gold among the leaders in the Pac-12 in points per game (19.3/2nd/27th in the nation), 3-pointers per game (2.43 per game/2nd), minutes per game (36.59/3rd/29th in the nation), free throws made (79/3rd) and attempted (91/4th), steals per game (1.71/5th), 3-point FG percentage (34.7/6th) and free throw percentage (78.1/8th).
PLAYER NOTES
#1 • Kadidia Toure • F • 6-3 • So. • Silver Spring, Md.
• Transferred to ASU in 2023 (played @James Madison as freshman).
• Has played in every game (7 starts) and leads the team in FG pct. (45.4), is 2nd in O-rebs (1.9 rpg), 3rd in rebounds per game (4.5 rpg) and 4th in scoring (6.9 ppg).
• Consecutive games vs. Fresno State (Dec. 20) and vs. Santa Clara (Dec. 30): Led team in scoring (16.0 ppg) and rebs (6.5 rpg). Tied career high (22 points) vs. Fresno State.
• During earlier 3-game stretch (game Nos. 2-4), averaged 19.0 ppg & 9.3 rebs per game... Posted first career double-double with career highs in points (22) & rebounds (14) vs. San Francisco (Nov. 13).
• Four-year varsity player for Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.). As a senior in 2022, the league's player of the year averaged 14 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks on her way to WCAC Player of the Year honors and first-team All-Met recognition.
#2 • Jaddan Simmons • G • 5-9 • Sr. • Houston, Texas
• Has started 95 of 96 career games (11.0 ppg avg./1052 career points/20th all time).
• Currently leads ASU in FTs attempted (106) & made (84), rebounding (4.7 rpg), assists (3.2 apg), steals (2.0 spg) and minutes (36.03 mpg), is tied for 2nd in scoring (10.9 ppg), is 2nd in FT pct. (79.2) and 3rd in O-rebs (1.5 rpg).
• Has grabbed season-high 7 rebounds 5x this season, had 3 or more steals 7x this season (season-best 5 vs. GCU and at WSU) and 5 or more assists 3x (career-high 8 assists vs. Fresno State).
• Played all 80 minutes on Washington road trip – at WSU (Jan. 19) and at UW (Jan. 21) – and averaged 11.0 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 5.0 apg, 3.0 spg and connected on 87.5 percent of her free throws (14-16).
• In the month of December (vs. Pacific, vs. GCU, vs. Arizona, vs. Fresno State, vs. Santa Clara), averaged 15.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.4 spg, 6.8 FT attempts. In ASU's win over Fresno State (Dec. 20), Simmons had a career-high 8 assists with zero turnovers.
• Scored career-high 26 points in ASU's win over Pacific (Dec. 1) and was named to Briann January Classic All-Tournament Team.
• First 4 games of season: Averaged 16.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.8 apg, 3.0 spg and shot 56 pct 3FG (5-9) and 90 pct (27-30) from the line.
• Superb all-around effort at WSU (Jan. 19) included 13 points, seven rebounds, game-high seven assists and game-high five steals.
#3 • Tyi Skinner • G • 5-5 • Sr. • Washington, D.C.
• Was announced on October 4, 2023 that Tyi Skinner will miss the 2023-24 season due to a knee injury.
• Made an immediate impact in her first season as a Sun Devil, earning All Pac-12 recognition from media that cover the league and Pac-12 HM honors from the league's coaches for a season in which she started all 28 games and averaged the most points per game (19.2) in a season since 1988-89.
• Scored in double figures in 25/28 games, including 15x w/20 or more points & finished 2nd in the Pac-12/27th in the nation in ppg.
#4 • Trayanna Crisp • G • 5-8 • So. • Goodyear, Ariz.
• Has played in 47 career games (23 starts).
• Has played in every game (16 starts) this season and has scored in double figures in all but 5 games. In two games – vs. Utah (Jan. 5) and at WSU (Jan. 19) – didn't return after getting injured in 1st Q.
• Leads ASU in 3FGs (1.4 per game), is tied for 2nd in scoring (10.9 ppg), is 2nd in assists (2.4 apg), steals (1.4 spg) and minutes (30:40 mpg) and 3rd in FT pct. (76.7).
• Scored 11 of 16 points in 2nd half of ASU's win at UW (Jan. 21).
• Five games prior to contest vs. Utah: Averaged 13.6 ppg (2nd on team) and tied for team lead in steals (2.2 spg).
• Scored a then-career high 17 points 2x in ASU's first 7 games and surpassed that in 10th game with 18 vs. Grand Canyon (Dec. 8).
• Averaged 14.3 ppg in earlier 4-game stretch (included pair of career-high 17-point efforts vs. Idaho State and vs. South Florida). Also had career-high 6 assists (0 TOs) vs. Idaho State.
10 • Marina Radocaj • G/F • 6-2 • Fr. • Richmond, British Columbia
• Earned spots on Canada's U16 and U17 teams.
• Member of the 2021 U16 Canadian Team that placed second at FIBA Americas. Radocaj averaged 9.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in the six games she played (all starts).
• Played in 5 games at 2022 FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup.
• Has played in 6 games for ASU this season.. Hit one of ASU's nine 3-pointers in season-opening win over UTSA (Nov. 6).
#11 • Maggie Besselink • G/F • 6-3 • Sr. • Kingston, Ontario
• After missing the 2022-23 season due to injury, made her return to the floor in 2023-24.
• Played and started in first 11 games and is 2nd on the team in rebounds per game (4.6 rpg) and 4th in O-rebounds per game (1.3 rpg).
• Missed six games due to injury (starting with contest vs. Fresno State on Dec. 20)... Returned to action at Washington State (Jan. 19) and was limited to 7 minutes before leaving the game due to injury and did not play at UW (Jan. 21).
• Besselink, who had not played in a game since Feb. 6, 2022, was not only in the starting lineup in the season opener, but also played a major role in igniting ASU's offense after hitting back-to-back triples in the first quarter vs. UTSA (Nov. 6).
• Scored 11 points and grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds to post her second career double-double at Grambling State (Nov. 16).
• Added 10 points and career-high 3 steals vs. Idaho State (Nov. 19).
#12 • Treasure Hunt • G • 6-2 • Sr. • Chattanooga, Tenn.
• In her first season as a Sun Devil, played & started in 27 games and averaged 34.1 minutes, 11.3 points and 6.1 rebounds. Also made 28 3-pointers and had 22 blocks and 25 steals. Had career-high 24 points vs. Arizona on Jan. 22, 2023, and had career-best 15 rebounds at New Mexico on Nov. 20, 2022.
• Including 2 seasons at Kentucky, started 60 of 83 career games.
• Was announced on January 12 that she would not be playing due to personal reasons. Last game played was vs. Fresno State (Dec. 20). Return is TBD.
• Played in 11 of first 12 games (3 starts and is currently averaging 6.9 ppg (5th on team).
• Was named to Reef Division All-Tournament Team of the Paradise Jam (Nov. 23-25) after averaging 14.7 ppg while shooting 56 percent (19-34 FGs), including 50 percent (5-10) from long distance, in ASU's 3 contests... Posted season highs in points (19) and rebounds (8) in win over High Point.
#13 • Sandra Magolico • F • 6-2 • Jr. • Maputo, Mozambique
• Transferred to ASU after playing two seasons at New Mexico CC.
• Has played in all but 2 games (vs. Santa Clara Dec. 30/and at WSU Jan. 19) this season (3 starts). Earned starting spot during ASU's time competing at the Paradise Jam: vs. South Florida on Nov. 24 (scored 8 points, led ASU with 7 boards and tied for team lead with 3 steals) and vs. High Point on Nov. 25 (4 points and 5 rebounds).
• In 2019, competed for the Mozambique national team, playing in nine games and averaged 11.0 minutes per game.
• Started 28/30 games in 2022-23, leading New Mexico JC to a 26-6 record and a Round of 16 finish in the NJCAA WBB Championship.
#21 • Hanna Miller • F • 6-2 • So. • Aberdeen, S.D.
• The sister of freshman Sun Devil Mallory Miller, transferred to ASU from Dodge City CC (Dodge City, Kan.) where she played in 23 games (3 starts) and averaged 11.3 minutes per game.
• As a senior in HS, teamed with Mallory to lead Aberdeen Christian to a 21-5 record and a berth in the Class B girls basketball tournament.
• Has played in 3 games and accounted for first points of career (4/1-1 3FG/1-2 FTs) in win vs. Idaho State (Nov. 19).
#22 • Journey Thompson • F • 6-3 • So. • McMurray, Pa.
• Played in 13 games (3 starts) as a freshman before having season prematurely come to an end due to injury.
• Has played in every game this season (15 starts) and leads the team in offensive rebs (2.0 rpg) and blocks (0.6 bpg), is 4th in rebounds (4.4 rpg) and steals (0.9 spg).
• Connected on half her shots (6-12 FGs) and scored 12 points vs. Oregon (Jan. 12) and followed that with career-high 16 points and 5 rebounds at Oregon State (Jan. 14).
• Has led/tied for team lead in rebs 5x and scored in double figures 7x.
• Scored 13 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for ASU's first double-double of the season in win vs. Montana State (Nov. 10).
• Scored 12 points in her first start of the season vs. San Francisco (Nov. 13) and had another 12-point outing vs. Idaho State (Nov. 19).
• Produced high-quality game in Paradise Jam finale vs. High Point on Nov. 25: 11 points (5-6 FGs) and 8 rebounds and scored 6 points to go with 8 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals vs. Pacific (Dec. 1).
#23 • Jalyn Brown • G • 6-1 • So. • Baltimore, Md.
• Transferred to ASU in from Louisville is 2023.
• As the season has progressed, has evolved into one of the top offensive performers in the Pac-12. In Pac-12 games, is 2nd in scoring (23.0 ppg), 3rd in FT pct. (87.8/43-49) and 12th in O-rebs (2.14 rpg).
• Has played in 17 games (15 starts) and currently leads the team in 30-point games (2), 20-point games (8), scoring (17.3 ppg) and FT pct. (81.1), is 2nd in 3FGs (1.3 per game) and free throws made (60) and attempted (74), 3rd in assists (1.4 apg), steals (1.0 spg) and minutes (33:41).
• Has scored in double figures 14x, including 12x in last 13 games. During that 13-game stretch is leading team in scoring 19.9 ppg, 3-pointers per game (1.5 3FG per game), FT pct. (85.2/52-61) and is 2nd in minutes (36.2 mpg).
• Has scored in double figures in 14 of 15 games she's started (earlier this season came off the bench 2x after missing 2 games due to injury).
• In contest vs. No. 5 Colorado on Jan. 7, scored 35 points, most by a Sun Devil in the 21st century and the second-highest total by a player this season in a Pac-12 game (as of Jan. 20).
• Post her 2nd 30-point game, scoring 34 points(11-20 FGs, 4-5 3FGs, 8-8 FTs) in ASU's first Pac-12 win at Washington (Jan. 21).
• Had tremendous Sun Devil debut: Scored 16 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in ASU's season-opening win vs. UTSA (Nov. 6). Followed that with an 11-point outing vs. Montana State (Nov. 10).
• Missed games vs. San Francisco (Nov. 13) & at Grambling State (Nov. 16) before returning in reserve role vs. Idaho State (Nov. 19).
• Was named to Reef Division All-Tournament Team of the Paradise Jam (Nov. 23-25) after averaging a team-high 17.0 ppg while hitting 54 percent of her shots (13-24) in ASU's two wins. Against South Florida (Nov. 24), scored 10 of 14 points & hit both of her 3-pointers during a game-changing 3rd quarter in which ASU outscored the Bulls 24-6… Added a game-high 20 points in ASU's win over High Point (Nov. 25).
• Scored 11 of 20 points in 1st quarter vs. Pacific (Dec. 1) and was named to Briann January Classic All-Tournament Team.
• Scored 16 points vs. Grand Canyon (Dec. 8) and followed that with 19 points and career-high 8 rebounds vs. Arizona (Dec. 17), career high-tying 20 points vs. Fresno State (Dec. 20) and career-high 4 steals vs. Santa Clara (Dec. 30).
#24 • Mallory Miller • F • 6-4 • Fr. • Aberdeen, S.D.
• The sister of ASU guard Hanna Miller, Mallory was named a KELOLAND Media Group All-Star Girls Basketball Player of the Year finalist and nominated Miss Basketball 2023 for the state of South Dakota after averaging 18.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
• Led Wolsey-Wessington to a 22-3 record an appearance in the state semifinals (its first appearance in the state tournament) and the state's top seed in 2023.
• As a junior, teamed with sister Hanna to help Aberdeen Christian to a 21-5 record & a berth in the Class B girls basketball tournament.
• Has played in 17 contests and is averaging 10.7 minutes per game.
• Tied for team lead in rebs (7) & had 4 points vs. Idaho State (Nov. 19).
• Best game of season to date came at WSU (Jan. 19): career highs in scoring (15 points), rebounds (8) and minutes (30).
#25 • Adison Novosel • G • 5-11 • Jr. • Richfield, Ohio
• Has played in 11 games for ASU this season.
• All six of her 3-pointers have come in last 5 games.
• Logged a season-high 30 minutes and knocked down season-high 3 triples vs. No. 15 Utah (Jan. 5).
• Transferred to ASU in 2023 after playing first two seasons at Saint Francis University where she appeared in 35 contests (25 starts).
• After appearing in seven games off the bench as a freshman, started 25 of 28 games in 2022-23.
• As a sophomore, led Saint Francis with 29 triples and posted career highs in points (12) and 3-pointers (4) vs. Central Connecticut State (Jan. 28).
#30 • Morasha Wiggins • G • 6-0 • Jr. • Kalamazoo, Mich.
• Transferred to ASU after playing her freshman season (2021-22) at North Carolina.
• Ranked 18th in the ESPNW Class of 2021 rankings, Wiggins was expected to be an impact player for the Sun Devils before suffering a preseason injury that forced her to miss the entire 2022-23 campaign.
• Played in 6 games in 2023-24 before prematurely having her season end due to knee injury.
• Played 23 minutes and scored 8 points and hit all 4 FTs in her Sun Devil debut vs. San Francisco (Nov. 13).
• Is averaging 12.6 minutes per game and is shooting 50 percent from the floor (6-12 FGs).
#44 • Isadora Sousa • G • 6-0 • Grad. • Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Has played in 38 games (14 starts) in her 3 seasons with ASU.
• Has worked hard to come back from injury each of her three seasons and has proven to be an effective performer when on the floor.
• Made her 2023-24 debut vs. Arizona (Dec. 17) and played 9 minutes. Did not play vs. Fresno State (Dec. 20) but started ASU's game vs. Santa Clara (Dec. 30) and scored 7 points and had 3 rebounds in 19 minutes.
• Has started 7 of 8 games she has played this season.
• Had career highs in points (10) & steals (3) vs. No. 5 Colorado (Jan. 7). Set career high for 2nd time in 4 games after scoring 12 points at Washington State (Jan. 19).
• Is shooting 46 percent from beyond the arc (6-13).
• In 2022-23, had the second-highest field goal percentage on the team, shooting 44.8%.
• Missed first 10 games due to injury before playing in first game of 2023-24 vs. Arizona (Dec. 17).
RECAPPING THE 2022-23 SEASON
Despite a spate of unlucky injuries to key personnel, the Sun Devils had several noteworthy accomplishments during Adair's inaugural season in Tempe. The accomplishments included...
• Starting 5-0 for the first time since 2002-03.
• Finishing the season No. 2 in the Pac-12 and 10th in the nation in fewest turnovers per game (12.3). Only ASU's 2017-18 squad averaged fewer turnovers per game (11.7) in a season.
• Even with all its injuries, ASU nearly pulled off three Top 25 upsets in the season's final five games: vs. No. 21 Colorado (62-70), vs. No. 4 Utah (69-74) and vs. No. 19 UCLA (70-81-OT) in the first round of the Pac-12 Tournament. After trailing the Bruins by as many as 19 points in the third quarter, the Sun Devils staged a furious rally to take a two-point lead in regulation before falling in overtime. The win would have been ASU's biggest comeback in school history.
• In their 75-73 win at Oregon State, the Sun Devils overcame their second-largest deficit in school history (17 points). The victory was also No. 175 of Adair's career.
• Individually, Sun Devil guards Jaddan Simmons (Pac-12 All-Defense honorable mention) and Tyi Skinner (All-Pac-12 honorable mention) comprised one of the most talented backcourts in the country. Both players earned Pac-12 honors as voted on by the league's head coaches. Skinner, who finished second in the Pac-12 and 27th in the nation in scoring (19.2 ppg), was also named to the media's 15-member All-Pac-12 team.