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College Basketball: Arizona State Young Freshmen Got Next

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College Basketball: Arizona State Young Freshmen Got Next


Arizona State had a tough win against a solid team in Grand Canyon earlier this week. This Sun Devils squad is filled with many veteran players but also has three young freshmen who have a very promising future in college basketball.

Let’s dive into their dynamic trio of freshmen.

Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The youngest player in all of college basketball is a 6-foot-9 big man, Jayden Quaintance. The Arizona State big man is oozing with potential. Coach Bobby Hurley has gone on record saying that Quaintance is the best defensive freshman he has ever coached and that statement is certainly believable. 

He currently averages 3.5 blocks per game and has the footwork, agility and quickness to defend out in space effectively. Although there are moments when he can be out of position or a bit jumpy, he has the potential to be a special rim protector. His hands are bigger than Shaquille O’Neal’s and his wingspan is around 7-foot-5.

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On the offensive end, he has real talent even though he’s still figuring out game on that side of the court. The two-way potential Quaintance possesses is special and there is no other big in college basketball who has the ceiling he possesses.

James Snook-Imagn Images

In Arizona State’s game against Grand Canyon, freshman guard Joson Sanon dropped 21 points and showed quite a bit of promise for the Sun Devils. The 6-foot-5 guard has proven to be an elite shooter, especially for a freshman. Although it’s a small sample size, he is shooting 52.6% percent from behind the arc on a little over four attempts per game.

His shooting ability is special as he is lethal off the catch, can make tough pull-up jumpers, and even has some movement shooting ability. The versatile shooting and touch are lethal, which is what makes Sanon really intriguing. As he gets older and stronger it would be nice to see him get more rim attempts.

He has been given a certain role on the team, so maybe if he returns for his sophomore season he can explore more off the dribble actions. Arizona State’s coaching staff hopes to see him return for his sophomore year but it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was to end up as a one-and-done.

Amier Ali

Nov 10, 2024; Spokane, Washington, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Amier Ali (5) runs back on defense against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images / James Snook-Imagn Images

A 6-foot-8 wing, Amier Ali is another freshman for this Sun Devils squad that looks to have a bright future with the program. The main intrigue with Ali is his shooting ability paired with his positional size. On the season, he’s currently shooting a ridiculous 63.6% from behind the arc on good volume while only playing 12 minutes per contest.

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Although he’s only getting limited minutes, we should expect a much bigger role out of him next season. In high school, he showcased real secondary playmaking ability and vision that he hasn’t been able to really show in college quite yet, but that is to come.

As he is given more on-ball responsibilities as he gets older, we could see him rise up on draft boards as his archetype is quite rare. Someone at 6-foot-8 who can be an elite shooter while also being a secondary playmaker is something NBA teams covet.

Want to join the discussion? Like Draft Digest on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest NBA Draft news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.





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3 Arizona Cardinals Now on the Chopping Block Entering Training Camp

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3 Arizona Cardinals Now on the Chopping Block Entering Training Camp


ARIZONA — The Arizona Cardinals will be one of the first teams to hit training camp this summer.

Arizona’s July 22 report date is among the earliest in the league thanks to their participation in the NFL’s Hall of Fame Game to begin preseason festivities.

Eyes and ears are curious to see what Mike LaFleur’s first training camp in the desert looks and sounds like. With four preseason games and numerous camp practices, Arizona will begin the process of trimming their roster down to 53 players ahead of the regular season.

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These four Cardinals could find themselves on the chopping block:

RB Trey Benson

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Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 25, 2024. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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Benson’s had arguably the worst offseason of any returning veteran in Arizona, as numerous faces have arrived to his position room to ultimately push him down the depth chart.

Benson’s play in the prior two seasons leading up to the 2026 offseason was shaky at best. Injuries and erratic play in the backfield offset any flashes of potential the Florida State product has had.

Many thought Benson may have been the potential lead back this season, though after James Conner restructured his deal, Tyler Allgeier signed in free agency and Jeremiyah Love was drafted with the third overall pick — Benson’s playing time has been massively dwindled.

If the Cardinals keep four running backs, Benson is in line to compete with Bam Knight for the final spot.

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CB Kei’Trel Clark

Harrison Wallace III (30) weaves through Kei’Trel Clark (13) and Elijah Jones (28) during Cardinals minicamp on June 9, 2026, in Tempe. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
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I’ve often included Max Melton’s name in similar lists, and while there’s no doubting the pressure facing Arizona’s former second-round pick, Melton’s spot on the roster feels safe.

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Kei’Trel Clark, on the other hand, is a different discussion.

Clark started seven games his rookie season but has combined for just two starts in the last two years after. The Cardinals have continuously poured resources into the cornerback room, and Clark’s hung around.

Injuries to Starling Thomas and Sean Murphy-Bunting helped solidify Clark’s roster spot last season, yet with both working their way back to full health (on top of Garrett Williams potentially being ready for Week 1), the Cardinals will have a crowded depth chart.

Clark will need to have a big training camp and leapfrog somebody ahead of him to retain his roster spot.

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QB Kedon Slovis

Jun 9, 2026; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kedon Slovis during minicamp at Arizona Cardinals Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
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This is more circumstantial than regarding talent.

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Slovis moves into training camp as the heavy favorite to get the axe with Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew and Carson Beck over him on the projected depth chart.

Brissett has (reportedly) been told by Arizona he’s the starter. Minshew has more guaranteed money than Brissett on his contract and Beck is a third-round pick.

None of the three quarterbacks are going to be cut, leaving Slovis with two options: Turn into the greatest quarterback we’ve seen or be an unfortunate cut candidate.

Slovis probably won’t make his way back to the desert on the practice squad, either — especially if Arizona indeed keeps three active quarterbacks on the roster.

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Was Slovis ever going to start for the Cardinals? No. However, he’s on the chopping block merely because of the new faces added this offseason.

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‘Multiple victims’ in shooting at Westgate Entertainment District, police say

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‘Multiple victims’ in shooting at Westgate Entertainment District, police say


GLENDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — Multiple people have been shot at a popular entertainment spot in Glendale, according to officials with the city’s police department. No suspect or suspects have been caught, police said.

Officers responded to the Westgate Entertainment District, near Glendale and 91st avenues, around 9 p.m. for reports of a shooting.

Police said they believe the injuries are not life-threatening.

Police said the individuals involved may have known one another and this was an isolated incident. No other information was given.

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Arizona gets commitment from 3-star Texas OL Mason Joshua

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Arizona gets commitment from 3-star Texas OL Mason Joshua


It’s been a pretty strong summer for Arizona on the recruiting trail, and it got a little better on Saturday. 3-star Texas offensive lineman Mason Joshua announced his commitment to the Wildcats, becoming the 17th member of their 2027 recruiting class. Joshua has a nice frame, 6-foot-5 and around 270 pounds. He has plenty of […]



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