ASU Basketball: 5 Bold Predictions for the Sun Devils' Season

The Arizona State Sun Devils men's basketball program is entering a new era under head coach Bobby Hurley. After a turbulent few seasons, marked by both flashes of brilliance and frustrating inconsistency, expectations are tempered heading into the 2023-24 season. While the roster looks different, there’s a quiet optimism brewing in Tempe. With a blend of returning talent and intriguing newcomers, the Sun Devils have the potential to surprise. Here are five bold predictions for what lies ahead for ASU basketball this season.

**1. DJ Horne Emerges as a Pac-12 Star:** DJ Horne, the transfer from Illinois State, is poised for a breakout season. He showcased his scoring prowess and playmaking ability during his time with the Redbirds, and now, surrounded by a higher level of talent at ASU, his game is expected to elevate. He'll thrive in Hurley's up-tempo system, providing a much-needed offensive spark and becoming one of the conference's most dynamic guards. Expect Horne to average over 15 points per game and be in contention for All-Pac-12 honors.

**2. The Sun Devils Will Finish in the Top Half of the Pac-12:** The Pac-12 is, as always, highly competitive. However, with the right mix of experience and fresh talent, ASU has the potential to exceed expectations. The conference landscape is shifting, with several teams rebuilding or experiencing coaching changes. This creates an opportunity for the Sun Devils to capitalize and climb the standings. A top-half finish, meaning sixth place or better, is a realistic, albeit bold, prediction.

**3. Freshman Duke Brennan Makes an Immediate Impact:** While it's rare for true freshmen to dominate in college basketball, Duke Brennan has the tools to be an exception. His size, athleticism, and skillset suggest a player ready to contribute from day one. He'll be a force in the paint, providing rebounding, shot-blocking, and an inside scoring presence. While he may not start every game, Brennan will carve out a significant role and be a key factor in ASU's success.

**4. ASU’s Defense Will Be a Top-5 Unit in the Pac-12:** Defense has often been a question mark for the Sun Devils in recent years. However, this season, there's a renewed focus on the defensive end of the floor. With improved personnel and a renewed commitment to team defense, expect a significant improvement. The Sun Devils have the athleticism and length to disrupt opponents and create turnovers. This defensive intensity will be crucial in close games and fuel their push up the Pac-12 standings.

**5. The Sun Devils Will Secure a Bid to the NIT Tournament:** While an NCAA Tournament berth might be a stretch this season, an NIT invitation is a realistic and attainable goal. The NIT provides valuable postseason experience for a young team and sets the stage for future success. With a strong showing in the regular season and a competitive performance in the Pac-12 tournament, the Sun Devils should be firmly on the NIT radar. This postseason appearance will be a crucial stepping stone in building a consistent winner in Tempe.

This season promises to be an exciting one for ASU basketball. While there are challenges ahead, the potential for growth and a return to prominence is undeniable. These five bold predictions represent the optimism surrounding the program and the belief in the team's ability to surprise the Pac-12 and make a statement on the national stage. The journey begins soon, and Sun Devil fans have plenty of reason to be excited about the future of their basketball program.