Taking an extended look at Arizona State's basketball roster

In three weeks, Arizona State will tip off year three under coach Bobby Hurley.

Returning three starters, the Sun Devils placed sixth in the Pac-12 preseason media poll. That should put them -- at least -- on the NCAA Tournament bubble.

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Let's take a look at this season's scholarship players:

Tra Holder, 6-1, 180, senior, guard

One of two ASU players who signed under previous coach Herb Sendek, Holder has gotten better every season. Last season he averaged 16.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists. He also got to the foul line more than any other ASU player. This season Holder should be one of the Pac-12’s top guards. “Tra has even elevated things we’re asking him to do,” Hurley said. “His off-the-ball defense. He’s pressuring the ball well. His jump shot is going in on more of a consistent basis.”

Remy Martin, 6-0, 170, freshman, guard

With Holder, Shannon Evans and Kodi Justice returning in the backcourt, it would seem logical to assume that Martin won’t play much this season. But that probably won’t be the case. “Remy will get on the floor because he’s going to force himself on the floor,” Hurley said. A Top 100 recruit, Martin has quickness that should allow him to pressure the ball, which should help a defense that last season struggled. He's also explosive off the dribble. 

Rob Edwards, 6-4, 200, junior, guard

Edwards transferred from Cleveland State in April and will sit out this season because of NCAA rules. A second-team All-Horizon League selection, Edwards last season led the Vikings, averaging a team-high 16.5 points and 4.5 rebounds. He shot 35.4 percent from 3-point range. “He handles it well enough to play the point in a pinch,” Hurley said, “but he’s more of a scorer, a creator. He’s good in ball screens.”

Mickey Mitchell, 6-7, 210, sophomore, forward

Mitchell transferred from Ohio State last December. Because of NCAA transfer rules, he has to sit out the season’s first eight games, which means his first ASU game could be Dec. 10 at Kansas. Mitchell is a slick passer, which should give Hurley lineup flexibility. He also has a mean streak Hurley likes. “He’s not like a traditional fundamentally sound guy,’’ Hurley said. “He’s got some stuff off the dribble and just clever passing abilities. He’ll be a contributor for sure.”

Vitaliy Shibel, 6-9, 210, redshirt-freshman, forward

Shibel missed last season recovering from ACL surgery. This season he gives ASU a stretch four, which is becoming one of the more important positions in basketball. “There’s still going to be a process for him to get back to where he was and have great confidence in (the knee), but he’s going in the right direction,’’ Hurley said before practice started.

Shannon Evans, 6-1, 172, senior, guard

After sitting out the 2015-16 season as a transfer, Evans had a strong first season with the Sun Devils, averaging 15 points (13th in the Pac-12) and 4.4 assists (fifth). He also shot 83.3 from the foul line (tied for second) and made 2.2 3-pointers per game (ninth.) This year, Evans shouldn’t have to carry such a heavy offensive load, so his shooting percentages (41.4 percent, 35.8 on 3s) and assist totals could improve. “He’s positioned himself to have a great year,” Hurley said.

Kimani Lawrence, 6-7, 200, freshman, forward

A top 100 recruit from Providence, R.I., Lawrence has a chance to start, if not right away, then at some point this season. Hurley calls him an “interchangeable piece.” He’s not really a scorer. Not really a shooter. Just an all-around player who has a great feel for the game. “He’s just very easy to play basketball with,’’ Hurley said. “He’s easy to coach. He picks things up very quickly. I’m excited about what I’m seeing from him.”

Carlton Bragg, 6-9, 220 pounds, sophomore, forward

A former McDonald’s All-American, Bragg transferred from Kansas (where he averaged 5.2 points and 4.1 rebounds) in May. He has to sit out this season because of NCAA transfer rules. His future, however, is unclear. Bragg recently left the team, missing last week’s Mill Madness event. A school spokesman said Bragg was excused for “personal reasons.” If Bragg stays in school, he has two years of eligibility.

Romello White, 6-8, 220, redshirt-freshman, forward

White last season was the post player ASU needed but he had to sit out as an academic redshirt. This season White is positioned to play a major role. He’s quick and active around the basket, especially on the boards, which makes him a key to ASU’s success. “He’s very good on ball-screen rolls and finishing,” Hurley said. “ You can pick-and-pop with him. He can drive. He can make the 17-footer and he can play with his back to the basket. He actually enjoys the contact and banging down there.”

Zylan Cheatham, 6-8, 210, junior, forward

A Phoenix South Mountain High product, Cheatham transferred from San Diego State (where he averaged 9.1 points and 6.3 rebounds) in April. He has to sit out this season because of NCAA transfer rules. Hurley says Cheatham might be the best athlete he’s coached. In addition to his size, Cheatham has a 39.5-inch vertical and a 7-1 wingspan. “His head is up by the rim when he finishes,” said Hurley, something Cheatham showed by winning the Mill Madness dunk contest. Cheatham currently has one year of eligibility, but that could change.

Ramon Vila, 6-8, 230, sophomore, forward

As one of ASU’s few post players, Vila last season had to play as a freshman, which was a rough way to go. He averaged 12.3 minutes in 33 games, earning four starts. He produced 2.6 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. “There will be less pressure on him so he can develop,’’ Hurley said. “There’s more depth at those positions now. He’s got things he has to improve on -- his explosiveness and just being more crafty in how he finishes and just being a better defender. He has a good IQ for the game.”

De'Quon Lake, 6-10, 225, junior, forward

Lake gives ASU much-needed size, but as with most junior-college transfers – especially big men – he faces an adjustment that probably will take time. He has rim-protection potential, and he knows how to finish when set up near the basket. But to start, Hurely and his staff are taking a patient approach.

Kodi Justice, 6-5, 190, senior, guard

Justice last season had to help in several areas, which meant defending power forwards at times. This season, with ASU’s added size, he should play more of a traditional role. That should help. Justice is the Pac-12’s leading returning 3-point shooter at 41.7 percent. He also can run the offense. “Kodi has been outstanding,’’  Hurley said. “Even though he’s older, he still has a chance to continue to take steps and improve on the season he had last year.”

Exhibition games on tap

ASU will have two preseason exhibition contests. On Thursday, the Sun Devils host Northern State at Wells Fargo Arena. On Nov. 3, they host Arizona Christian. 

ASU opens the season Nov. 10 against Idaho State. | Full schedule

MORE: Mill Madness 'jump starts' ASU basketball under the lights

Contact Doug Haller at 602-444-4949 or at doug.haller@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/DougHaller.