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

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.”

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