Report: ASU G Alonzo Verge out due to COVID-19 contact tracing

Arizona State starting guard Alonzo Verge Jr. reportedly missed the team’s previous game due to coronavirus contact tracing, Stadium’s Jeff Goodman said Wednesday.

After playing against both Rhode Island and Villanova, Verge was announced as out due to non-disciplinary reasons in the team’s 100-77 win over Houston Baptist on Sunday.

Head coach Bobby Hurley was asked about the guard’s availability via Zoom on Wednesday but was unable to provide a clear update on the guard’s status.

“I can’t really go into a lot of detail about Zo’s situation right now that he’s in,” Hurley said. “It is completely, 110%, nothing related to team discipline, violating team rules or doing anything inappropriate at all.

“Also he’s completely healthy. I know that’s hard for me to sit here and tell you that … but can’t really discuss it any further.”

In his two starts this season, Verge is averaging 15.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists over 27.5 minutes of action. He’s shooting 39.1% from the field (9-of-23) and is hitting 33.3% of his shots from 3-point land (2-0f-6). From the charity stripe, Verge has connected on 10 of his 17 attempts (58.8%).

Against Villanova, Verge paced the Sun Devils in rebounds (7) and assists (3) and trailed only guard Josh Christopher (28) for the most points on the team with 22.

Last season, Verge was a spark for the team off the bench, averaging 14.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.4 steals over 26.8 minutes.

Looking to add size to the Verge-less lineup on Sunday, Hurley went with forward Taeshon Cherry in place of the guard. Cherry finished with five points, two rebounds and an assist as a starter.

Also picking up more minutes was Jaelen House. In 22 minutes, the guard registered 13 points, four assists and four steals. He was 3-of-4 (75%) from long range and hit both of his free throw shots.

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