ARIZONA STATE BASKETBALL

ASU showing an improved offense

Jan 19, 2012, 12:07 AM | Updated: 12:15 am

ASU is playing better basketball.

Since the calendar turned to the new year, the Sun Devils
have won two games—or half as many as they won in the
season’s first two months back when the calendar read
2011.

What’s changed?

“Ball movement,” answered head coach Herb Sendek without
hesitation. “We’re really doing a much better job of
sharing and moving the basketball.”

The numbers back up the coach’s statement.

Over the last four games, the Sun Devils have shot 55-
percent from the field (92-167) and 50-percent from 3 (31-
62) while averaging just under 15 assists per game.

“I think we’re getting more valuable shots. We’re playing
smart,” said sophomore Chanse Creekmur, whose enjoyed his
own resurgence in 2012.

Twice in the last three games Creekmur has scored in
double figures, including a career-high 24-point
performance (that included six 3s) Saturday against Oregon
State. He had hit the double figure mark just once in the
team’s first 13 games.

“Chanse is in a great place right now,” explained Sendek.
“(He’s) expanded his range of shots on the court. He’s
shooting the ball exceptionally well.”

The increased playing time has certainly helped. Creekmur
has played nearly every minute (37.8 average) since Keala
King was suspended (and ultimately dismissed).

“My confidence is up right now,” he said.

So too is the team’s confidence.

That confidence though will be tested this week when ASU
visits Colorado and Utah this week, likely without it’s
leading scorer Trent Lockett.

“I’m very pleased with our improvement—outside of the
turnover bug,” said Sendek. “Fifty-five percent against
the quality of defenses we’ve played is impressive. Fifty
percent from 3 is astounding. Those are two steps in the
right direction.”

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona State Basketball

Caitlin Clark celebrates...

Associated Press

Iowa’s Caitlin Clark is inspiring a younger generation of players

Caitlin Clark's deep range has expanded the scope of possibilities for up-and-coming women's basketball players.

2 days ago

Frankie Collins #1 of the Arizona State Sun Devils drives the ball against Pelle Larsson #3 of the ...

David Veenstra

Arizona State basketball guard Frankie Collins to enter transfer portal

Arizona State guard Frankie Collins announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. He has one year of eligibility remaining.

2 days ago

Darian DeVries...

Associated Press

West Virginia basketball hires Darian DeVries to be new coach after 6 years at Drake

West Virginia tapped Drake coach Darian DeVries on Sunday to move the Mountaineers past one of the ugliest years in school history.

4 days ago

Akil Watson defends...

Arizona Sports

Report: ASU’s Akil Watson entering transfer portal

Arizona State forward Akil Watson is reportedly planning to enter the transfer portal following a season with the Sun Devils.

8 days ago

Deivon Smith #5 of the Utah Utes handles the ball against Braelon Green #2 of the Arizona State Sun...

Arizona Sports

Arizona State basketball’s Braelon Green heads to transfer portal

Arizona State freshman shooting guard Braelon Green told 247 Sports' Travis Branham he's submitting paperwork to enter the transfer portal.

9 days ago

Jamiya Neal #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils brings the ball up court against the Utah Utes durin...

Kellan Olson

Arizona State guard Jamiya Neal enters transfer portal

Arizona State guard Jamiya Neal announced on Tuesday he is entering the transfer portal after his third season with the Sun Devils.

9 days ago

ASU showing an improved offense