The Arizona State Sun Devils and Mississippi State Bulldogs are set to collide on the hardwood in the electrifying season opener at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena. With the Sun Devils reigniting their lineup, despite the departure of pivotal players, the focus is on Mason Harrell’s perimeter precision and Nate Martin’s paint presence to lead the charge. They face a Bulldogs squad fortified by Tolu Smith’s double-double threat and Dashawn Davis’s playmaking finesse. Both teams, hungry to surpass their previous records, are on a quest to set the tone for a season that promises to be a thrilling ride. 

Sun Devils Blaze New Trail

Coming off a solid 28-7 run and stamping their authority in the Pac-12, the Arizona State Sun Devils are igniting the hardwood once again with a promising squad despite key departures. Last season’s success hinged on the firepower of Desmond Cambridge Jr., who dropped 13.6 points per game, and the defensive anchor, Warren Washington, grabbing 6.9 rebounds per match. The playmaking prowess of Frankie Collins, dishing out 4.3 assists, also played a pivotal role. Yet, with these court generals moving on, Head Coach Tommy Lloyd is tasked with a strategic overhaul.

The Sun Devils have reloaded, banking on the return of sharpshooter Mason Harrell and the imposing presence of Nate Martin in the paint. Harrell, hitting a scorching 40% from downtown last season, and Martin, who’s expected to ramp up his 4.5 ppg contribution, are primed to step up as leaders. But the buzz is all about the new recruits – the Florida duo, 6-9 Tuongthach Gatkek and guard Elijah Kennedy. Gatkek’s size and Kennedy’s scoring instincts are anticipated to fill the void and elevate the team’s 70.3 points per game offense. Defensively, the Sun Devils will look to improve upon allowing 68.9 points and tighten their field goal defense beyond the 41.3% clip from the previous season.

As the Sun Devils lace up for the new season, eyes will be on their ability to blend their new talent with the old standbys. With fresh faces and seasoned returners, they’ve got the arsenal to push beyond last year’s benchmarks. However, it’s their ability to gel and adapt that will dictate whether they’ll dance deep into March or bow out early. 

Bulldogs Braced for Breakthrough

The Mississippi State Bulldogs are set to unleash their potential in the upcoming 2023-24 season, storming into the fray with a 2022-2023 record that speaks volumes about their tenacity. Under the watchful eye of Chris Jans in his second season as head coach, the Bulldogs are returning over 80% of their scoring prowess. All eyes are on Tolu Smith, the forward who’s not only a scoring powerhouse with 15.7 points per game but also a rebounding force, pulling down 8.5 boards a game. The Bulldogs are banking on his dominance in the paint to anchor their offense and fortify their defense, which allowed a respectable average of 65.9 points last season while racking up their own at a clip of 65.9 points per game.

Mississippi State’s arsenal isn’t just a one-man show. With Dashawn Davis back in the mix, dishing out 3.5 assists and snagging 1.7 steals per game, the Bulldogs have a backcourt maestro who’s not afraid to take the reins. The team’s field goal percentage stood at a solid 42.3%, and defensively, they kept opponents to a disciplined 42.3% from the field. The fresh bodies include some high-impact transfers and freshmen ready to hit the hardwood running. 

David’s Pick – Arizona State Sun Devils

The Arizona State Sun Devils, hot off a stellar previous season, are set to scorch the court again. Despite the departure of key players like Desmond Cambridge Jr. and Warren Washington, Coach Tommy Lloyd has rekindled the team’s spirit with the return of Mason Harrell, who was on fire from the three-point line last season. Alongside Harrell, Nate Martin is expected to dominate the paint, stepping up his game from last season’s average. The addition of Florida’s dynamic duo, Tuongthach Gatkek and Elijah Kennedy, brings fresh presence to the Sun Devils’ roster. Gatkek’s towering presence and Kennedy’s sharpshooting promise to plug the gaps and propel Arizona State’s offense, which averaged 70.3 points per game last season. Expect the Sun Devils to blaze past opponents and cover the spread, in an opening night win on a neutral court in Chicago.