ARIZONA STATE BASKETBALL

Hurley: Josh Christopher a ‘trailblazer’ and ‘game-changer’ for ASU

May 6, 2020, 8:02 PM

Josh Christopher #45 of Team Zion in action against Team Jimma during the SLAM Summer Classic 2019 ...

Josh Christopher #45 of Team Zion in action against Team Jimma during the SLAM Summer Classic 2019 at Dyckman Park on August 18, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley has some things to figure out, with big man Romello White transferring and guards Remy Martin and Alonzo Verge Jr. declaring for the NBA Draft.

There’s still some variation of the roster to close on, but something that is going to make that a whole lot more bearable no matter who is or isn’t back is freshman Josh Christopher.

The five-star signing the Sun Devils made official Wednesday is the highest-ranked recruit in the program’s history.

“So much time went into his recruitment and it’s so satisfying that he made the decision that he made,” Hurley said on a conference call Wednesday.

“Terrific moment. The possibility and excitement on my end of coaching a player of his talent level, it’s a game-changer for us.

“It certainly elevates everything that we’re doing.”

A 6-foot-5 guard, Christopher brings a combination of skills and a body that’s ready to make an impact in the Pac-12 right away.

“He’s fearless,” Hurley said. “As a competitor, a fierce competitor, both ends of the floor. Dynamic athlete, super skill, really gets after it, is about winning, so he checks all the boxes there.”

Hurley, however, can also see the big picture of how Christopher coming to Tempe can change his program long term.

“He’s not afraid of the challenge of coming to Arizona State and help us take another big step and I think that challenge intrigued him,” he said.

“He’s a trailblazer.”

Arizona State Basketball

Jamiya Neal...

Arizona Sports

Jamiya Neal transfers from Arizona State to Creighton

Former Arizona State men's basketball player Jamiya Neal announced his commitment to Creighton on social media Wednesday.

45 minutes ago

Isaiah Jackson...

Arizona Sports

Arizona State baseball’s Isaiah Jackson climbs wall for home run robbery

Arizona State center fielder Isaiah Jackson made his case for SportsCenter's Top 10 plays with a home run robbery Sunday against UCLA. 

3 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Reaction to NCAA dropping the hammer on Arizona State football

The State of the Sun Devils Podcast reacts to the NCAA dropping the hammer on Arizona State Football.

5 days ago

Alston Mason #3 of the Oklahoma Sooners takes a shot as Tyrese Hunter #11 of the Iowa State Cyclone...

David Veenstra

Missouri State’s leading scorer Alston Mason commits to Arizona State

Missouri State leading scorer Alston Mason committed to play for the Arizona State on Friday. He has one year of eligibility remaining.

5 days ago

Jerrance Howard...

Arizona Sports

Arizona State basketball reportedly hires Jerrance Howard to Bobby Hurley’s coaching staff

Arizona State basketball has reportedly hired former Kansas and Texas assistant coach Jerrance Howard to join Bobby Hurley's staff.

7 days ago

Frankie Collins spearheaded ASU's defense with six first half steals in a win against USC on Jan. 2...

David Veenstra

Former Arizona State basketball guard Frankie Collins reportedly commits to TCU

Former Arizona State guard Frankie Collins has committed to TCU. Collins has one year of eligibility remaining.

11 days ago

Hurley: Josh Christopher a ‘trailblazer’ and ‘game-changer’ for ASU