(Photo: Marlee Smith/WCSN)
Thursday night’s loss to the No. 19 ranked Southern California Trojans saw Arizona State Men’s Basketball put forth another poor offensive performance. But despite the Sun Devils’ struggles, junior forward Jalen Graham shined. In the 58-53 loss, Graham set a new career-high with 19 points.
While wearing the Maroon and Gold, Graham has never been a real offensive threat.
But recently, that has changed. In five of the Sun Devils’ last six games, the 6-foot-9 forward has scored at least 12 points. ASU has needed someone to step up, and he has done just that.
“His footwork was special and his touch around the basket – he looked like the best player on the court to me tonight,” ASU head coach Bobby Hurley told reporters after Thursday’s game. “He’s just making huge strides and I’m happy for him. He’s really been great the last few weeks.”
Graham has been a positive aspect of ASU’s struggling attack. Over his hot six-game stretch, Graham has averaged 14.5 points and six rebounds.
He’s also become a more efficient scorer. Compared to his nine other games in 2021-22, Graham has increased his field goal percentage from 41.8 to 53.5 percent and has increased his attempts from five per game to 11.8. His usage has increased, but so has his productiveness.
Graham’s increased offensive efficiency can be credited to his playstyle. Instead of settling for a three-point shot, the junior has taken full advantage of his 6-foot-9, 220 lb. frame by getting to the hoop. The three-ball has never been an aspect of his game, which is not a liability – it works because of the Sun Devils’ playstyle. But having a player who can get an easy basket on the other end could relieve pressure from ASU’s guards.
Even with ASU’s losing record, Graham’s hot streak has not gone unnoticed by his peers.
“I think he just slowing down, taking what the defense gives him and being aggressive,” Graduate forward Kimani Lawrence said of Graham. “He is a really talented kid. He’s been doing it all summer, you know. He’s just carrying it over to the game. I’m really happy to see that he’s playing well.”
Although the Sun Devils are 1-5 during Graham’s hot streak, it may be something ASU could build around for the remainder of the season. Regardless of how the Sun Devils finish the year, Graham’s strides should not go unnoticed. And if he can continue to make them, ASU may have found a missing piece to the puzzle on the offensive end.
