TEMPE — Senior guard and arguably ASU’s most outspoken leader, Adam Miller highlighted a deficiency in teamwork following the Sun Devils’ 72-66 overtime defeat to Baylor.
The performance in the first half on Saturday was strikingly reminiscent of ASU’s second half during their loss to Kansas on Wednesday, where they were outscored 38-13.
“While we were in Kansas, you could sense the game slipping away, and it felt like, ‘When are we going to halt the loss?'” Miller stated. “And it’s not just about an individual; we must accomplish it collectively.” I believe that is the main issue we face. We need to work as a team in what we do, and we must stay united.
The teams we face are clear about their intentions, and I can sense it. “They are more linked.”
The three assists to seven turnovers (6-for-23 shooting) during the first half against Baylor pointed to problems with connectivity similar to the two assists to 12 turnovers (5-for-23 shooting) in the second half against Kansas.
This isn’t the first occasion ASU has faced difficulties at the start.
In the last six games, it has taken a shot in the first two minutes of a contest only once: an 81-61 victory over Colorado on Jan. 4, which is the Sun Devils’ (10-5, 1-3) sole conference win so far.
This year’s ASU team has shown effort as a consistent aspect when compared to previous teams, but Saturday marked the first game in which the Sun Devils simply weren’t ready to start a home game.
“We emerged lackluster.” You simply can’t go out like that, particularly at home. “You need to be pumped up,” Miller said. “During our last home game, it seemed like we started with a bit more energy.” We have some young players and others advancing from various conferences, so they might still be trying to grasp the conference dynamics. “However, you simply can’t reveal yourself that way.”
BJ Freeman (UW-Milwaukee, Horizon League), Alston Mason (Missouri State, Missouri Valley Conference), and Basheer Jihad (Ball State, MAC) have all seen significant improvements in conference play as essential starters on a team that has transitioned from Pac-12 to Big 12 basketball.
Miller stated that the Sun Devils exhibited a consistently higher level of energy in the second half to propel their comeback.
While other players are becoming accustomed to their new roles, Miller is still adjusting to his own as a leader.
“I always strive to set an example,” Miller remarked, referencing his 3-for-9 shooting stats along with one turnover and no assists. “It’s difficult to find that balance … understanding that even if I’m not attending, I still need to voice my opinion.”
“At times, it’s challenging to do that when I’m not in the spotlight, but I must keep in mind that I need to guide the team no matter the circumstances, since I have extensive experience and understand what coach (Bobby) Hurley expects.”
Adam Miller and Hurley highlight travel challenges related to the Kansas trip.
Already facing a depleted roster because of injuries to Joson Sanon and Austin Nunez, a lopsided defeat to No. 11 Kansas after having the lead at halftime became especially unpleasant due to a troubling travel situation that accompanied it.
We experienced flight problems prior to the Kansas game. “We returned very late as everything was delayed,” Miller stated. “And the way that game concluded, we didn’t perform as we should have as a team, as a club, so somewhat, but that’s not a reason.”
Hurley had earlier described the travel circumstances as a “disaster.”
“Events occur in life, but we arrived in Kansas late… then following the late game on Wednesday, we returned here at 3 AM,” Hurley mentioned. “I’m not suggesting that’s the cause, but we didn’t appear to be the team I normally recognize, particularly at the start. … The second half was a completely different game in that aspect.”
The coach mentioned he will organize trips earlier in the future to allow for greater flexibility, but pointed out it was “excuse-making” as he looked for a reason why it appeared significantly worse than he anticipated at the beginning.
