Babcock Hoops' scouting team covers extensive ground, with scouts strategically positioned across various regions to evaluate NBA prospects nationwide and beyond. Our talent evaluators attend specific matchups in person, developing these reports to establish an initial baseline on players or provide an updated assessment of their development. Unlike comprehensive scouting profiles, these evaluations focus exclusively on a player’s performance in a single game, emphasizing key takeaways and data points gathered from live scouting observations.
Final Score:
BYU 91 – Arizona State 81
Location:
Tempe, AZ
Game Summary
Despite being severely short-handed, Arizona State fought hard but ultimately lacked the firepower to keep up with BYU. The Sun Devils had only six scholarship players available and were further depleted when Adam Miller suffered an early injury. Forced to rely on Bobby Hurley Jr. for extended minutes, ASU struggled to match BYU’s relentless offensive execution and efficiency. The Cougars maintained control throughout, keeping the lead between 7 and 15 points for most of the contest.
Key Prospects
Richie Saunders
BYU | Guard/Forward | 6'5” | 200 lbs | Junior
Saunders took full advantage of Arizona State’s depleted backcourt, dominating offensively and making key defensive plays. His ability to create shots in tight spaces and capitalize on defensive switches stood out. He was a smart player who consistently made the right reads and displayed NBA-level scoring instincts.
Egor Demin
BYU | Guard/Forward | 6'9” | 200 lbs | Freshman
Although Demin didn’t score, he greatly impacted the offense and set the tone defensively. His ability to make extra passes and operate as the team’s engine was invaluable. Using his length effectively, he disrupted Arizona State’s ball handlers and remained a winning presence throughout.
Keba Keita
BYU | Center | 6’8” | 231 lbs | Junior
A dominant force in the paint, Keita controlled the glass and outmatched Arizona State’s interior defenders. His elite screen-setting and strong rolling ability made him a nightmare in pick-and-roll situations. Defensively, he walled up effectively and posed major matchup problems all night.
Joson Sanon
Arizona State | Guard | 6'4” | 195 lbs | Freshman
With Arizona State missing multiple key players, Sanon had the green light and took full advantage. While he showed flashes of shot creation, he also forced some low-percentage attempts when better passing options were available. Despite logging heavy minutes, he maintained strong energy and composure throughout the game.
Final Thoughts
BYU’s offensive consistency and defensive pressure proved too much for an undermanned Arizona State squad. Richie Saunders led the charge, showcasing his offensive versatility, while Egor Demin and Keba Keita provided critical support on both ends. Joson Sanon embraced his role as Arizona State’s primary option, though his shot selection left room for improvement. The game highlighted BYU’s depth and execution, reinforcing their status as a dangerous opponent moving forward.