Holiday Classic: Jalen Graham discusses Arizona State commitment
RANKINGS: 2019 Rivals150 | 2020 Rivals150 | 2019 Team Rankings
TORREY PINES, Calif. -- One of the summer's breakout performers, three-star power forward Jalen Graham seemed to had found his future home in Santa Clara. Until it turned out he hadn't.
Shortly before the early signing period the 6-foot-9 power forward at Phoenix (Ariz.) Mountain Pointe had a change of heart and opened things up. Last week, he committed to nearby Arizona State.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Graham discussed why he backed out on Santa Clara, what he likes about Arizona State and what he can bring to the table.
On deciding not to sign with Santa Clara: "Personally i just felt like.I wanted to go to a high major. Santa Clara isn't a bad team at all and they are up and coming but I felt like I wanted to go to high major right now."
What made Arizona State decide to pursue him: "They saw me play in the EYBL and they saw a need and wanted to get somebody from in state who fit a need so they picked me."
What he knows about Arizona State's program: "I know a lot. My brother went there, it's a great school. They have a very nice business school. Coach (Bobby) Hurley is up and coming and has the team playing really well. It's just a really nice school."
Does going from no offers headed into the summer to the Pac 12 feel real yet: "It will hit me when I start playing against the players. When I play against other Pac 12 players at ASU. Right now, I'm not really focused on that. I'm just thinking about this season and trying to help my team win."
What he can bring to the table: "My defensive ability, my athleticism and my motor. I'm just going to be running, playing defense, blocking shots and rebounding. That's what I want to bring."
RIVALS' REACTION
When Graham saw his stock explode during the month of July, it seemed almost a certainty that he would end up signing with a high major program because of his long term potential as a rebounder and shot blocker. So it was a mild surprise when Santa Clara was able to land him.
Once he had second thoughts, though, Arizona State didn't let him get away a second time and it's a play that holds some serious upside. Ideally, Graham could redshirt for a year to add a little more bulk to his frame and continue to improve his offense. But, with or without a redshirt he's got Pac 12 ability as a shot blocker and a rebounder and to be able to swoop in late and land him was a great deal for Hurley and the Sun Devils.
