SEATTLE – Arizona State didn’t necessarily have to reinvent itself during the first half of the Pac-12 season, but the Sun Devils had to come to an understanding: Their days of burying teams with deep shooting and extended runs were pretty much over.
The conference schedule brought different challenges. Opposing coaches were more familiar with ASU’s personnel and scheme. They played zone defense to combat ASU’s explosiveness. They pounded the ball inside to take advantage of ASU’s size limitations. As a result, the Sun Devils had to find different ways to win, and it took time.
But entering the Pac-12’s second half – which starts with Thursday night’s contest at Washington – coach Bobby Hurley said ASU might be better positioned because of those struggles.