👋 GOOD MORNING
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 — Happy Wednesday! Well, unless you’re the Suns.
I’ll dive into the Sun Devils’ transfer portal activity below, but first, Kevin Durant and Co. kicked off their five-game road trip with a loss in Atlanta last night, falling 122-117 to a shorthanded Hawks team. Bradley Beal briefly left with an injury (stop me if you’ve heard that before) after rolling his left ankle, but he did ultimately return to finish with 11 points in 28 minutes. There was no word immediately following the game on whether that would impact his status moving forward.
Beal has been critical off the bench as of late, but it wasn’t enough, as the Hawks got 50 from theirs. Atlanta also dominated on the offensive glass, snagging 20 offensive rebounds.
The defeat snapped the Suns’ three-game winning streak.
Not ideal in the first of five straight road games, though the Suns will try to regroup on Thursday against the 6-32 Washington Wizards.
On to the show!
A Closer Look at the Sun Devils’ Transfer Portal Activity
Ah, the transfer portal. You either love it or hate it, but everyone has to live with it.
It’s fair to say NIL deals have been a leading driver of transfer portal activity, but not the only one. Some transfer for more playing time, while others simply make a move to be closer to home. Whatever the reason, the portal — which officially closed its first window at the end of December — isn’t going away any time soon, and coaches are still learning how to navigate the exceedingly choppy waters.
ASU coach Kenny Dillingham has masterfully reshaped his roster after 17 Sun Devils entered the portal in most recent window, offering Sun Devils fans a reason for optimism in the way-too-early Big 12 picture for next season.
ASU Players Who Entered The Transfer Portal
Here’s a brief breakdown of all ASU players that entered the transfer portal during the open window:
Defensive Line: J’mond Tapp (Southern Miss), Landen Thomas (UNLV), Harold Brooks (TBD), Tristan Monday (TBD), Kyran Bourda (TBD)
Cornerback: Laterrance Welch (UNLV), Keontez Bradley (TBD), Cole Martin (UCLA)
Safety: Kamari Wilson (Memphis)
Linbacker: K’Vion Thunderbird (TBD)
Offensive Line: Sirri Kandiyeti (TBD), Luis Cordova (TBD)
Wide Receiver: Jamaal Young II (North Dakota), Korbin Hendrix (TBD), Kaleb Black (TBD), Troy Omeire (TBD)
Tight End: Markeston Douglas (Florida State)
A substantial list, to be sure, but not insurmountable, as you’ll see. The most notable departures out of this list include Welch, who would not have returned after previously being dismissed from the team, as well as the loss of four wide receivers. That said, it’s also notable to call out some of the names that aren’t in the portal, including quarterback Sam Leavitt and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, who were key components in the Sun Devils’ run to the College Football Playoff this season.
It’s a testament to the culture Dillingham has already fostered in just two years at Arizona State, especially in a day and age in which players like Leavitt can likely earn megabucks at other schools with larger NIL offerings. A quick disclaimer, though, as there is another window that opens up in April, so expect the unexpected.
Dillingham Shores Up Roster with Major Additions
Leavitt and Tyson will be joined by some good company on offense, but the Sun Devils have added talent from the transfer portal into the defense and special teams, as well.
Defensive Line: My’Keil Gardner (Oregon)
Cornerback: Kyndrich Breedlove (Purdue), Nyland Green (Purdue), Adrian Wilson (Washington State)
Kicker: Jesus Gomez (Eastern Michigan)
Wide Receiver: Jaren Hamilton (Alabama), Jalen Moss (Fresno State), Noble Johnson (Clemson)
Offensive Line: Jimeto Obigbo (Texas State), Xander Ruggeroli (Nebraska)
Tight End: Khamari Anderson (Kentucky)
Running Back: Kanye Udoh (Army)
One of those additions, cornerback Nyland Green, is a former 5-star recruit (2021), while wideouts Jaren Hamilton and Noble Johnson, and tight end Khamari Anderson, are former 4-star prospects. Dillingham’s addition of Jesus Gomez is also a nice get for a team that struggled with the kicking game last season, and will hopefully make fourth down decisions slightly easier in their 2025 schedule.
One of the more unsung moves resides in the trenches, as the offensive line additions of Obigbo and Ruggeroli add depth to a position that is returning four starters for the Sun Devils.
Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
It sure looks pretty darn good right now, but an (obvious) word of caution: Movement is far from over. There’s a second window that opens up from April 16 – 25, offering another opportunity for anyone who may have been on the fence before to finally make a move.
Given Dillingham’s support of his student athletes — he showed clear support for anyone entering the transfer portal prior to the team’s appearance in the Peach Bowl — it’s not out of the question to think the majority of big departures have already occurred. That said, you just never know in this day and age of college athletics.
Of course, even if the unexpected pops up, Dillingham and his staff have demonstrated they will be ready to address it.
🧢 TIP OF THE HAT BY BRANDED BILLS
Fantastic ball movement by Duke last night. Norman Dale would be proud. (See: Hoosiers)
