This isn't Alberta-Edmonton. It's not the EA Sports All-Stars. This one is for real.
The start of the regular season has finally arrived for the ASU men's basketball team, as they open play Sunday afternoon against Jackson State in the first round of the Las Vegas Invitational at Wells Fargo Arena.
While the Sun Devils' exhibition games didn't count towards their record, ASU hopes that its play in the preseason will carry over to the regular season.
The Sun Devils dusted off both of their exhibition opponents, thanks to the strong play of preseason Playboy All-American Ike Diogu. Diogu averaged more than 20 points in both games and dominated on the defensive end.
"Ike is one of the best players I've ever coached," head coach Rob Evans said. "He may very well be better this year than he was last year."
The preseason also served as a chance for Evans to find the right backcourt combination that can consistently contribute. While nobody stood out, Evans did like what he saw from newcomer Bryson Krueger and senior guard Steve Moore.
"Bryson looked good once he got settled in," Evans said. "Steve played with more confidence; I expect him to be a leader for these young guys."
While Evans played a variety of players in both exhibition games, it looks like the Sun Devil starting lineup should be Diogu, Krueger and Moore, along with senior guard Jason Braxton and sophomore forward Serge Angounou. No matter the lineup, Diogu is ready to get the season started.
"It doesn't matter who's on the court, I have confidence in all of my teammates," Diogu said.
After ASU's game against Jackson State, it will take on Delaware State on Tuesday night at Wells Fargo Arena before heading to Las Vegas to take on UTEP, an NCAA Tournament qualifier from last season, on Nov. 26.
Reach the reporter at matt.reinick@asu.edu.
