Surrounded by new faces, Molly Miller and returners look to lead ASU women’s basketball to new heights

(Photo: Scott Russomano/WCSN)

TEMPE – After one of the most historic regular seasons in recent Arizona State women’s basketball history, it was rewarded with the opportunity to hear its name called on ESPN, securing a spot in March Madness for the first time in six years.

Four days later, after leading for most of the game, its road came to an end as it suffered a heartbreaking loss to Virginia.

Head coach Molly Miller’s core of Marley Washenitz and Gabby Elliott perfectly embodied her fast and aggressive style of play, carrying the Sun Devils to new heights.

Now in her second year at the helm, Miller is relying on senior forward McKinna Brackens and redshirt senior guard Deborah Davenport to keep the culture rolling, as a class of freshmen and transfers look to fill the shoes of those who came before them.

“I don’t have to be the example anymore; I can be like, Brackens, show her what it looks like to get in a defensive stance,” Miller said. “They’re talking my talk; they can finish my sentences.”

Miller explained how last season the staff felt like they were the leaders of the team, teaching all the material because no one knew what the branding would be. This year that has changed.

“They know what the standards are, they know what the expectations are,” Miller said. “Now it’s the returners giving that message.”

Toward the end of ASU’s Aug. 26 practice, as it ran set plays, freshman guard Averie Lower sat in the corner of the court and attempted a fake backdoor cut toward the hoop, which resulted in a ball thrown out of bounds.

Immediately, the veteran leadership from Davenport was on full display as she walked over from the baseline, instructing Lower in such a way that both left with a smile at the end of the conversation.

“Debs is our energy bug,” Miller said. “She does a really good job of understanding the moment and how she can impact the moment.”

The stats may not always show up for Davenport, but her contribution on and off the court is invaluable to the Sun Devils.

“Whether it’s a spark off the bench, she’s coming in, and we need a rebound or hustle play to get the bench fired up, she always finds that inner energy which I love,” Miller said. “She’s willing to do anything; that’s selflessness at its core.”

Chemistry in the locker room is extremely important, and having a team that’s willing to do anything for each other is key to success. However, production is still needed on the floor, and to win, you need to score.

In 35 games last season, the Sun Devils ranked 14th in scoring in the Big 12, averaging 66.2 points per game, just ahead of Houston and UCF at the bottom of the conference.

To boost the squad’s offensive capabilities, Miller used her connections as a Power Four head coach when recruiting in the transfer portal.

“I can get on the phone with anyone; that’s really nice,” Miller said. “You got to take a blind leap of faith last year; this year we’ve proven what our potential is.”

ASU brought home a plethora of talent to Tempe, including four guards and one forward. At an immediate glance, senior Ruby Whitehorn stands out with her time spent at Tennessee in the SEC, where she converted shots at a 46.3% clip.

Whitehorn is thrilled to have a fresh start with the Sun Devils and appreciates the competitiveness within the program thus far.

“I love coach Molly; she’s very open and welcoming,” Whitehorn said. “Coming from an SEC school, we work hard, we play hard, and that’s what we are doing here.”

In terms of experience, it gets no better than being on the floor for the tournament in March, and that’s exactly what Michigan State senior guard Rashunda Jones brings.

Jones not only averaged 11.7 points per game and had 19 double-digit scoring efforts, but also received All-Big Ten Defensive Team recognition and was named to the Naismith Women’s Defensive Player of the Year Watchlist.

Alongside Whitehorn and Jones comes a duo from Central Michigan, junior guard Madison Morson and junior forward Ayanna-Sarai Darrington.

Morson was a first-team all-MAC selection in 2026, leading the Chippewas in points per game (20.1), three-pointers (49) and free throws (135). She also set the program record for the most points scored by a freshman (511) in her first year.

“She can play at this level, and she’s going to be scary good,” Miller said. “I’m excited for everyone to see her play because she is a playmaker.”

Darrington can also score but fills another need ASU lacked last year, as it ranked ninth in the conference in rebounds. The 6-foot-2 paint threat led the MAC in offensive rebounding with 3.57 per game, while leading in shooting percentage at a 56.7% clip, 21st in the NCAA.

For comparison, the Sun Devils’ leader on the boards last year was Brackens, who averaged 2.07% less at 1.5. With the pre-built chemistry between the two and each offering high value on the offensive side, ASU will hope they can help push the team over the hump when it possesses the ball.

“They’re all in, they’ve worked together and know what each other does,” Miller said. “Maybe that unlocks it for the other members of the team a bit quicker, but they’ve been a great addition.”

Sophomore guard Ella Ryan completes the transfer class, arriving in Tempe via Quinnipiac. Despite coming from a mid-major school, Miller has no concerns regarding whether her ability to shoot over 40% from the field and beyond the arc will translate.

“Shooting transfers levels; she’s still shooting at a high clip,” Miller said. “I think there’s an advantage being a specialist at this level, which she is.”

With the NCAA’s five-for-five rule in place, giving players five years of eligibility, it leaves some tough discussions in the war room about when not to recruit high schoolers given the talent in the portal. Yet, Miller still thinks it’s valuable to give young competitors a chance to develop at the Power 4 level.

“I still believe I want to recruit freshmen,” Miller said. “I want them to be Arizona State lifers, have an alma mater as a Sun Devil, and then also be able to recruit from the portal because this is a destination spot.”

Three freshmen currently sit on the Sun Devils’ roster, and Miller and co. believe they’ve hit the jackpot on all of them.

“(Quin’Nya Gray De Sanders) plays the game with speed and energy. She’s one of the fastest players you’ll see on the floor and has a motor that doesn’t quit,” Miller said. “Her ability to put pressure on the defense end, attack in transition, and set the tone with her effort is our brand of Sun Devil Basketball.”

ASU also obtained a four-year varsity starter, two-year team captain and three-time first-team All-Conference guard Londyn Parker from Staley High School in Kansas City, Missouri, who can also get it done on the defensive end. In high school, Parker set the school’s track and field 4×1 record while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.

“Londyn was one of the premier defenders on the summer circuit. She takes pride in guarding the ball and being a spark on the court,” Miller said. “I love her explosiveness and her ability to play make is elite.”

Three-point shot makers don’t always come at a premium, but Lower is as good as it gets from range, averaging a 44% shooting rate from three. Lower received a grade of 94 from ESPN.com and ranked as high as 68 in national player rankings as she piloted her Clear Creek Amana High School team to a 4A state title in 2024 with a 59-13 record over three seasons.

“She’s an extremely hard worker,” Miller said. “(Lower) has a high IQ and plays with a composed poise on the floor.”

With a mix of newcomers, returners, leaders and a settled-in coaching staff, the ceiling is rising for ASU. Expectations are growing, and an expanded March Madness field could allow for something special to brew in Tempe. To take the next step, ASU simply needs to “keep going,” as Davenport put it.