THE GAME: Sun Devil WBB (8-5, 0-1 Pac-12) vs. No. 15/12 Utah (10-3, 0-1 Pac-12)
WHEN: Friday at 7 p.m. MST
WHERE: Desert Financial Arena • Tempe, Ariz.
WATCH: Pac-12 Arizona
RADIO: KDUS AM 1060 (Pregame coverage starts at 6:30 p.m. MST)
LIVE STATS: Click here
PURCHASE TICKETS: Click here
PROMOTION: Friday's matchup is our Pride Game, wear rainbow to show your support and let's make a rainbow in Desert Financial Arena! Rainbow flags and tattoos will be given out to the first 500 fans at the Sales & Service table on the east side of the arena. Our Guest Coach of the game is Rhonda Rajsich, life coach, author, USA Racquetball's most decorated pro player in US History, and member of the Hall of Fame at Phoenix College Women's Basketball, who will be auctioning off a ball signed by her and the entire team! Also, wear your adidas sneakers and get ready to show them off during the our adidas cam to get upgraded to a new pair!
UP NEXT
The Sun Devil women's basketball team (8-5, 0-1 Pac-12) resumes Pac-12 play this week when it hosts No. 15 Utah (10-3, 1-0) on Friday at 7 p.m. MST and No. 5 Colorado on Sunday (11-1, 1-0) at 12 p.m. MST.
After winning six of its first eight games, the Sun Devils have since gone 2-3. Included among those five games was a home loss to Arizona in the Pac-12 opener for both teams on Dec. 17. In its most recent contest, 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 a 65-55 loss to Santa Clara on Saturday. Trayanna Crisp and (12 points), Jaddan Simmons (11 points) and Kadidia Toure (10 points) led the way for the Sun Devils, who were without key contributors Maggie Besselink and Treasure Hunt. In addition, Simmons, who started the first 89 games of her career, came off the bench for the first time in her career due to illness.
ASU trailed by as many as 12 before coming back to knot the score at 44-44 entering the fourth quarter. After managing one field goal and shooting a paltry 11 percent in the third quarter, Santa Clara hit 50 percent of its shots (5-10 FGs) and 85 percent of its free throws (11-13) while outscoring ASU 21-11 over the last 10 minutes.
The days leading up to the Santa Clara game represented ASU's longest period without playing a game (10 days) in the same month in which it played its fewest games of the season (5/2-3 record). ASU's 80-76 win over Fresno State (Dec. 20), was first time it played a contest that was not separated by six or more days since it played three games in three days at the Virgin Islands Paradise Jam (Nov. 23-25). Six days later, ASU played Pacific in the first game of the Briann January Classic on Dec. 1. After ASU's contest vs. Xavier on Dec. 2 was canceled due to Xavier not having enough healthy players, seven days passed before ASU faced Grand Canyon on Dec. 8. ASU then had its second-biggest gap in between games (nine days) before it played its conference opener vs. Arizona.
ASU had one of its best offensive performances of the season in the win over Fresno State, 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 Jalyn Brown tied her career high with 20 points. Crisp scored 12 points while Simmons and Journey Thompson (career-high four steals) scored 10 points each for the Sun Devils, who shot 49 percent for the game, their 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.
WATCH/LISTEN
Friday's game can be seen on Pac-12 Arizona (Greg Mescall, Angela Taylor). The game can also be heard on KDUS AM 1060 (pregame starts at 6:30 p.m.). 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 ASU head coach Maura McHugh.
SERIES NOTES VERSUS UTAH
• ASU has won 11 of the last 16 meetings – or 11 of 17 counting game ASU had to forfeit at Utah last season due to not having enough healthy players. Utah has won 3 of the last 5 contests decided on the court, most recently a 74-69 victory in the regular season finale in Tempe.
• During a three-season stretch between 2018-20, the two teams played four consecutive games that were each decided by two points and a fifth in which the margin of victory was four.
• On Feb. 17, 2019, ASU pulled off the biggest comeback in school history when it scored the last 20 points of the game to erase an 18-point deficit.
RANKINGS OF NOTE (AS OF JAN. 3, 2024)
• As a team, ASU leads the Pac-12 in FT attempts per game (20.36/52nd in the nation) and is 3rd in FTs made per game (13.77/76th in the nation). ASU is also ranked among the top half of the Pac-12 in turnover margin (4th/+2.83), turnovers per game (5th/13.7/48th in the nation), offensive rebounds per game (5th/12.3) and turnovers forced per game (5th/17.15)
• Jaddan Simmons is among the leaders in both the Pac-12 and the nation in free throws attempted (84/1st in Pac-12/11th in the nation), free throws made (67/2nd in Pac-12/13th in the nation) is 2nd in free throws made (63/2nd in Pac-12/11th in the nation) and minutes per game (34.8/52nd in the nation). Simmons is also among the leaders in the Pac-12 in steals per game (tied for 6th/2.23) and FT pct. (13th/79.8) .
• Jalyn Brown is 16th in scoring (13.8 ppg) and 9th in minutes per game (31.84).
• Trayanna Crisp is 7th in minutes per game (33.24) and 13th in steals per game (1.77).
• Kadidia Toure is 13th in offensive rebounds per game (2.31) and Journey Thompson (2.23) is tied for 14th in the same category
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• With a win on Friday, the Sun Devils would eclipse their win total from 2022-23 (8-20. In addition, it would give them a win over a squad currently ranked in the Top 5 of the NCAA's Net Rankings (Utah is No. 5 as of Jan. 3).
• ASU has had five players lead/tie for team lead in scoring: Jaddan Simmons (5x), Kadidia Toure (4x), Trayanna Crisp (4x), Jalyn Brown (2x) and Treasure Hunt (1x). Simmons' career-high 26 points in ASU's win over Pacific (Dec. 1) represents the highest single-game point total by a Sun Devil this season.
• In the rebounding department, eight Sun Devils have led/tied for the team lead: Maggie Besselink (4x), Journey Thompson (4x), Toure (3x), Mallory Miller (1x), Sandra Magolico (1x), Hunt (1x), Brown (1x) and Simmons (1x). Toure's 14-rebound game vs. San Francisco (Nov. 13) represents the best rebounding game by a Sun Devil this season.
• On Dec. 20, Simmons (1013 points) became the 25th Sun Devil to score more than 1000 points. ASU's last 5 games: 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.
•ASU's last 6 games, Brown (currently ASU's leading scorer/13.8 ppg) is averaging 17.2 ppg and is shooting 48 pct (42-87) from the floor.
• 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 2 games and is averaging 14.0 ppg in last 4 games. During that stretch: leads team in assists (2.75 apg) and is tied with J. Simmons for lead in steals (2.5 spg).
• ASU has allowed 13 or fewer points in a quarter 19x, including 6x 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 44 of 52 quarters.
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).
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.
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 ASU in rebounds (5.8 rpg), O-rebs (2.3 rpg) and FG pct. (48.1) and is 4th in scoring (9.2 ppg).
• Last 2 games: Leads team in scoring (16.0 ppg) and rebs (6.5 rpg).
• 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).
• Tied career high (22 points) vs. Fresno State (Dec. 20).
• 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 all 89 of 90 career games (11.3 ppg avg./1013 career points/24th all time).
• Currently leads ASU in FTs attempted (84) and made (67), steals (2.2 spg), assists (2.9 apg-tied with T. Crisp), FT pct. (79.8) and minutes per game (34.5) and 4th in rebounds per game (4.2 rpg).
• ASU's last 5 games: 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.
• Has had 0 (5x) or 1 (1x) turnover 5x (3.6 apg in those games).
• Was named 2022 Preseason Pac-12 HM and at the conclusion of the season was named Pac-12 All-Defensive Team HM in 2023.
#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 41 career games (17 starts).
• Has played in every game (10 starts) this season/scored in double figures in all but 2 games. Leads ASU in 3FGs (1.5 3pg), 3-point FG pct. (34.5), is tied for team lead in assists (2.9 apg), is 2nd in steals (1.8 spg) and minutes (33:15 mpg) & is 3rd in scoring (12.4 ppg).
• Last 4 games: Is averaging 14.0 ppg in last 3 games. During that stretch: leads team in assists (2.75 apg) and is tied with J. Simmons for lead in steals (2.5 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 5 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 of the season before missing games vs. Fresno State (Dec. 20) and Santa Clara (Dec. 30) due to injury. Is currently tied for team lead in blocks (0.5 bpg) and 2nd on in rebounds per game (4.9 rpg).
• 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, has started 60 of 83 career games.
• Has played in all but two games this season (3 starts/missed game vs. Grand Canyon (Dec. 8) and vs. Santa Clara (Dec. 30) 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 1 game (vs. Santa Clara Dec. 30/coach's decision) 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 incoming 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 (9 starts) and leads the team in blocks (0.5 - tied with Maggie Besselink) is 2nd on the team in offensive rebs per game (2.2) and is 3rd in rebounds per game (4.7) and 4th in FG pct. (40.8).
• Has led or tied for team lead in rebounds 4x and has scored in double figures 5x.
• 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 2023 after playing freshman season at Louisville. Played in seven contests for Louisville squad that went on to conclude its season in the Elite Eight of the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
• Has played in 10 games (9 starts) and is currently leads the team in scoring (13.8 ppg), is 2nd in 3FGs (1.0 per game), 3rd in assists (1.0 apg) and tied for 3rd in steals per game (1.1).
• ASU's last 6 games: Averaging 17.2 ppg and is shooting 48 pct (42-87) from the floor.
• Has scored in double figures in 8 of 9 games she's started (earlier this season came off the bench 2x after missing two games due to injury).
• 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 11 contests and is averaging 8.7 minutes per game.
• Tied for team lead in rebs (7) & had 4 points vs. Idaho State (Nov. 19).
#25 • Adison Novosel • G • 5-11 • Jr. • Richfield, Ohio
• Has played in 6 games for ASU this season.
• 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). Also pulled down a career-high six rebounds twice and snared a career-high three steals vs. Coppin State (Nov. 7).
#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 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).
• Has not played since ASU's contest vs. High Point (Nov. 25).
#44 • Isadora Sousa • G • 6-0 • Grad. • Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Has played in 32 games with eight starts in her three seasons with the Sun Devils.
• 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,
• In 2022-23, scored a career high-tying points in consecutive games (at Stanford/Dec. 31 and at Cal/Jan 2) and 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 7 p.m. MST
WHERE: Desert Financial Arena • Tempe, Ariz.
WATCH: Pac-12 Arizona
RADIO: KDUS AM 1060 (Pregame coverage starts at 6:30 p.m. MST)
LIVE STATS: Click here
PURCHASE TICKETS: Click here
PROMOTION: Friday's matchup is our Pride Game, wear rainbow to show your support and let's make a rainbow in Desert Financial Arena! Rainbow flags and tattoos will be given out to the first 500 fans at the Sales & Service table on the east side of the arena. Our Guest Coach of the game is Rhonda Rajsich, life coach, author, USA Racquetball's most decorated pro player in US History, and member of the Hall of Fame at Phoenix College Women's Basketball, who will be auctioning off a ball signed by her and the entire team! Also, wear your adidas sneakers and get ready to show them off during the our adidas cam to get upgraded to a new pair!
UP NEXT
The Sun Devil women's basketball team (8-5, 0-1 Pac-12) resumes Pac-12 play this week when it hosts No. 15 Utah (10-3, 1-0) on Friday at 7 p.m. MST and No. 5 Colorado on Sunday (11-1, 1-0) at 12 p.m. MST.
After winning six of its first eight games, the Sun Devils have since gone 2-3. Included among those five games was a home loss to Arizona in the Pac-12 opener for both teams on Dec. 17. In its most recent contest, 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 a 65-55 loss to Santa Clara on Saturday. Trayanna Crisp and (12 points), Jaddan Simmons (11 points) and Kadidia Toure (10 points) led the way for the Sun Devils, who were without key contributors Maggie Besselink and Treasure Hunt. In addition, Simmons, who started the first 89 games of her career, came off the bench for the first time in her career due to illness.
ASU trailed by as many as 12 before coming back to knot the score at 44-44 entering the fourth quarter. After managing one field goal and shooting a paltry 11 percent in the third quarter, Santa Clara hit 50 percent of its shots (5-10 FGs) and 85 percent of its free throws (11-13) while outscoring ASU 21-11 over the last 10 minutes.
The days leading up to the Santa Clara game represented ASU's longest period without playing a game (10 days) in the same month in which it played its fewest games of the season (5/2-3 record). ASU's 80-76 win over Fresno State (Dec. 20), was first time it played a contest that was not separated by six or more days since it played three games in three days at the Virgin Islands Paradise Jam (Nov. 23-25). Six days later, ASU played Pacific in the first game of the Briann January Classic on Dec. 1. After ASU's contest vs. Xavier on Dec. 2 was canceled due to Xavier not having enough healthy players, seven days passed before ASU faced Grand Canyon on Dec. 8. ASU then had its second-biggest gap in between games (nine days) before it played its conference opener vs. Arizona.
ASU had one of its best offensive performances of the season in the win over Fresno State, 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 Jalyn Brown tied her career high with 20 points. Crisp scored 12 points while Simmons and Journey Thompson (career-high four steals) scored 10 points each for the Sun Devils, who shot 49 percent for the game, their 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.
WATCH/LISTEN
Friday's game can be seen on Pac-12 Arizona (Greg Mescall, Angela Taylor). The game can also be heard on KDUS AM 1060 (pregame starts at 6:30 p.m.). 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 ASU head coach Maura McHugh.
SERIES NOTES VERSUS UTAH
• ASU has won 11 of the last 16 meetings – or 11 of 17 counting game ASU had to forfeit at Utah last season due to not having enough healthy players. Utah has won 3 of the last 5 contests decided on the court, most recently a 74-69 victory in the regular season finale in Tempe.
• During a three-season stretch between 2018-20, the two teams played four consecutive games that were each decided by two points and a fifth in which the margin of victory was four.
• On Feb. 17, 2019, ASU pulled off the biggest comeback in school history when it scored the last 20 points of the game to erase an 18-point deficit.
RANKINGS OF NOTE (AS OF JAN. 3, 2024)
• As a team, ASU leads the Pac-12 in FT attempts per game (20.36/52nd in the nation) and is 3rd in FTs made per game (13.77/76th in the nation). ASU is also ranked among the top half of the Pac-12 in turnover margin (4th/+2.83), turnovers per game (5th/13.7/48th in the nation), offensive rebounds per game (5th/12.3) and turnovers forced per game (5th/17.15)
• Jaddan Simmons is among the leaders in both the Pac-12 and the nation in free throws attempted (84/1st in Pac-12/11th in the nation), free throws made (67/2nd in Pac-12/13th in the nation) is 2nd in free throws made (63/2nd in Pac-12/11th in the nation) and minutes per game (34.8/52nd in the nation). Simmons is also among the leaders in the Pac-12 in steals per game (tied for 6th/2.23) and FT pct. (13th/79.8) .
• Jalyn Brown is 16th in scoring (13.8 ppg) and 9th in minutes per game (31.84).
• Trayanna Crisp is 7th in minutes per game (33.24) and 13th in steals per game (1.77).
• Kadidia Toure is 13th in offensive rebounds per game (2.31) and Journey Thompson (2.23) is tied for 14th in the same category
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• With a win on Friday, the Sun Devils would eclipse their win total from 2022-23 (8-20. In addition, it would give them a win over a squad currently ranked in the Top 5 of the NCAA's Net Rankings (Utah is No. 5 as of Jan. 3).
• ASU has had five players lead/tie for team lead in scoring: Jaddan Simmons (5x), Kadidia Toure (4x), Trayanna Crisp (4x), Jalyn Brown (2x) and Treasure Hunt (1x). Simmons' career-high 26 points in ASU's win over Pacific (Dec. 1) represents the highest single-game point total by a Sun Devil this season.
• In the rebounding department, eight Sun Devils have led/tied for the team lead: Maggie Besselink (4x), Journey Thompson (4x), Toure (3x), Mallory Miller (1x), Sandra Magolico (1x), Hunt (1x), Brown (1x) and Simmons (1x). Toure's 14-rebound game vs. San Francisco (Nov. 13) represents the best rebounding game by a Sun Devil this season.
• On Dec. 20, Simmons (1013 points) became the 25th Sun Devil to score more than 1000 points. ASU's last 5 games: 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.
•ASU's last 6 games, Brown (currently ASU's leading scorer/13.8 ppg) is averaging 17.2 ppg and is shooting 48 pct (42-87) from the floor.
• 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 2 games and is averaging 14.0 ppg in last 4 games. During that stretch: leads team in assists (2.75 apg) and is tied with J. Simmons for lead in steals (2.5 spg).
• ASU has allowed 13 or fewer points in a quarter 19x, including 6x 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 44 of 52 quarters.
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).
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.
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 ASU in rebounds (5.8 rpg), O-rebs (2.3 rpg) and FG pct. (48.1) and is 4th in scoring (9.2 ppg).
• Last 2 games: Leads team in scoring (16.0 ppg) and rebs (6.5 rpg).
• 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).
• Tied career high (22 points) vs. Fresno State (Dec. 20).
• 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 all 89 of 90 career games (11.3 ppg avg./1013 career points/24th all time).
• Currently leads ASU in FTs attempted (84) and made (67), steals (2.2 spg), assists (2.9 apg-tied with T. Crisp), FT pct. (79.8) and minutes per game (34.5) and 4th in rebounds per game (4.2 rpg).
• ASU's last 5 games: 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.
• Has had 0 (5x) or 1 (1x) turnover 5x (3.6 apg in those games).
• Was named 2022 Preseason Pac-12 HM and at the conclusion of the season was named Pac-12 All-Defensive Team HM in 2023.
#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 41 career games (17 starts).
• Has played in every game (10 starts) this season/scored in double figures in all but 2 games. Leads ASU in 3FGs (1.5 3pg), 3-point FG pct. (34.5), is tied for team lead in assists (2.9 apg), is 2nd in steals (1.8 spg) and minutes (33:15 mpg) & is 3rd in scoring (12.4 ppg).
• Last 4 games: Is averaging 14.0 ppg in last 3 games. During that stretch: leads team in assists (2.75 apg) and is tied with J. Simmons for lead in steals (2.5 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 5 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 of the season before missing games vs. Fresno State (Dec. 20) and Santa Clara (Dec. 30) due to injury. Is currently tied for team lead in blocks (0.5 bpg) and 2nd on in rebounds per game (4.9 rpg).
• 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, has started 60 of 83 career games.
• Has played in all but two games this season (3 starts/missed game vs. Grand Canyon (Dec. 8) and vs. Santa Clara (Dec. 30) 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 1 game (vs. Santa Clara Dec. 30/coach's decision) 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 incoming 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 (9 starts) and leads the team in blocks (0.5 - tied with Maggie Besselink) is 2nd on the team in offensive rebs per game (2.2) and is 3rd in rebounds per game (4.7) and 4th in FG pct. (40.8).
• Has led or tied for team lead in rebounds 4x and has scored in double figures 5x.
• 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 2023 after playing freshman season at Louisville. Played in seven contests for Louisville squad that went on to conclude its season in the Elite Eight of the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
• Has played in 10 games (9 starts) and is currently leads the team in scoring (13.8 ppg), is 2nd in 3FGs (1.0 per game), 3rd in assists (1.0 apg) and tied for 3rd in steals per game (1.1).
• ASU's last 6 games: Averaging 17.2 ppg and is shooting 48 pct (42-87) from the floor.
• Has scored in double figures in 8 of 9 games she's started (earlier this season came off the bench 2x after missing two games due to injury).
• 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 11 contests and is averaging 8.7 minutes per game.
• Tied for team lead in rebs (7) & had 4 points vs. Idaho State (Nov. 19).
#25 • Adison Novosel • G • 5-11 • Jr. • Richfield, Ohio
• Has played in 6 games for ASU this season.
• 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). Also pulled down a career-high six rebounds twice and snared a career-high three steals vs. Coppin State (Nov. 7).
#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 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).
• Has not played since ASU's contest vs. High Point (Nov. 25).
#44 • Isadora Sousa • G • 6-0 • Grad. • Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Has played in 32 games with eight starts in her three seasons with the Sun Devils.
• 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,
• In 2022-23, scored a career high-tying points in consecutive games (at Stanford/Dec. 31 and at Cal/Jan 2) and 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.