The men’s basketball team at Arizona State University is making significant strides in their journey towards regaining full strength as they prepare for the upcoming Pac-12 play in less than two weeks.
Head coach Bobby Hurley disclosed that centre Shawn Phillips Jr. is “very close” to making a comeback to the court after being sidelined for the past seven games due to a foot injury. Hurley conveyed Phillips’ eagerness to return to the court and his gradual resurgence to full health, emphasizing the need for him to ensure he is fully prepared before returning to play.
Hurley expressed optimism regarding Phillips’ recent performance in practice and suggested the possibility of Phillips participating in pregame warmups and dressing for an upcoming game, though he is not expected to play in the immediate future. The potential return of Phillips has already sparked excitement among fans and the team.
Standing at seven feet tall, Phillips played a pivotal role for the Sun Devils in the initial three games of the season following his transfer from LSU. His absence has been notably felt, and his return would undoubtedly strengthen the team’s performance on the court.
After the upcoming game against Northwestern, Arizona State will have a break before commencing their conference matches on December 29 against Stanford.
In addition to Phillips’ impending return, the Sun Devils recently welcomed back guard Adam Miller after he faced eligibility challenges. Miller, who also transferred from LSU, made a strong comeback by leading the team with 20 points in his debut game against TCU. Hurley expressed his relief and optimism about Miller’s renewed state of mind, emphasizing the significance of ensuring the players’ contentment and fulfillment in their experiences.
Hurley also spoke highly of Miller’s anticipated contributions to the team, particularly in the areas of perimeter play, free-throw shooting, and the valuable veteran presence he brings to the team.
Looking ahead, the Sun Devils will face Northwestern, led by Chris Collins, a former roommate of Hurley’s from their time at Duke. Northwestern’s top scorer, Boo Buie, poses a formidable challenge with an average of 18 points per game, making the upcoming game an exciting and competitive showdown.
As the anticipation builds for the return of Shawn Phillips Jr. and the promising prospects of the team, the Arizona State men’s basketball team is gearing up for an exhilarating season ahead.