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2007 Arizona State Basketball Preview & Predictions

Our 2007 Arizona State Sun Devils predictions and season preview have forecasted improvement in coach Herb Sendek’s second season. With no real losses, the Sun Devils should up last season’s meager win total by four to five games this season.

Sendek has been heralded as a recruiter and he wasted no time bringing home the bacon with a recruiting class ranked as high as 16th nationally. McDonald’s All-American James Harden and 6’10’’ Duke Transfer Eric Boateng means good news for the desert dogs.

Junior forward Jeff Pendergraph played out of position at center last season and still averaged 12.1ppg and 9.1 boards per game with virtually no help. His rebound average was second best in the Pac and w feel if he were to play on an elite team, he would be a recognized name in college hoops.

Boateng should instantly improve the Devils’ defense with his ability to rebound and block shots. He’ll take some pressure off of Pendergraph on the boards, allowing him to be more of a scorer. Depth and experience is still a problem with this team in the middle of its rebuilding project.

Harden was considered the best player in California last year and some think he’s a one and done guy. I’ll be shocked if he’s back for a sophomore season.

ASU’s backcourt returns its top three players from last season. The problem is that these guys give up a lot in terms of the talent pool to other guards around the league. Don’t be surprised if Jamelle McMillan, son of NBA coach Nate, gets some minutes at the point. Sendek is very big on this kid and if he’s anything like his dad, he understands the importance of defense.

The strength of the conference, with seven teams likely in position to be dancing, makes this a tough time to rebuild, but we feel Sendek is already turning a corner. Sendek’s resume at N.C. State doesn’t give supporters any reason to believe that he won’t get this ship turned around.

You’ll be able to benefit from going against the Sun Devils in conference play on the money line with your NCAA basketball betting. These boys have the potential to be a solid underdog as last season’s 2-16 record in conference play will have them undervalued by the books despite the upgrade in talent. If Sendek gets this team in the NIT, I feel it should be good enough for coach of the year honors.

December 3rd, 2007