ASU men\u2019s basketball has almost completely revamped its roster from a year ago, and a 13-game nonconference schedule awaits the Sun Devils.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Last season, ASU went 9-2 in nonconference play, but was unable to carry that momentum into conference play, where they went 4-16. With only two members returning from last year\u2019s squad, this initial slate of games could prove crucial in building the team\u2019s chemistry.<\/p>\n
UC Irvine, Oct. 12 in Irvine, CA<\/p>\n
ASU will kick off its schedule in an exhibition against UC Irvine, a member of the Big West Conference<\/a>. Irvine finished 32-7 last year and was the runner-up in the National Invitation Tournament <\/a>to Chattanooga.\u00a0<\/p>\n Texas A&M, Oct. 26 in Houston<\/p>\n The Sun Devils\u2019 final exhibition will take place against Texas A&M as part of The Preview College Basketball Exhibition series. The Aggies finished No. 19 in the country with a 23-11 record but were bounced from the NCAA Tournament<\/a> in the second round by Michigan.\u00a0<\/p>\n Southern Utah, Nov. 4 in Tempe<\/p>\n ASU\u2019s home opener will take place against Southern Utah, which went 12-19 last season. ASU is 5-0 all-time against the Thunderbirds and has won nine straight home openers under head coach Bobby Hurley<\/a>.<\/p>\n Utah Tech, Nov. 9 in Tempe<\/p>\n The Sun Devils stay in Tempe to face off against Utah Tech for the first time in program history. The Trailblazers went 7-26 last season and have added eight new members to their roster.<\/p>\n Gonzaga, Nov. 14 in Tempe<\/p>\n Perhaps ASU\u2019s most anticipated matchup is against Gonzaga as part of a home-and-home agreement that began last season. Last year, the Sun Devils lost a close battle 88-80 at Gonzaga and will now welcome the Bulldogs to Tempe.\u00a0<\/p>\n Gonzaga also added former Sun Devil guard Adam Miller, who transferred after two years with the maroon and gold, further strengthening an already experienced squad that went 26-9 in last season.\u00a0<\/p>\n Georgia State, Nov. 17 in Tempe<\/p>\n The last of ASU\u2019s four-game homestand is against Georgia State, another first-time opponent. The Panthers went 14-19 last season and are led by redshirt sophomore guard Jelani Hamilton and junior guard Malachi Brown.\u00a0<\/p>\n Hawaii, Nov. 20 in Honolulu<\/p>\n After a mediocre 2025 season where they finished 15-16, Hawaii added numerous pieces to its roster, including Norfolk State transfer graduate forward Jalen Myers and South Dakota transfer graduate guard Dre Bullock. ASU holds an 8-4 edge all-time against the Rainbow Warriors.\u00a0<\/p>\n Maui Invitational, Nov. 24\u201326 in Lahaina<\/p>\n ASU will then participate in the Maui Invitational, featuring programs like USC, NC State, and host Chaminade. The Sun Devils will take on a Texas squad that went 19-16 last year and lost in the First Four round of the NCAA Tournament.\u00a0<\/p>\n Oklahoma, Dec. 6 in Phoenix<\/p>\n ASU will feature in the Jerry Colangelo Classic<\/a> for the second consecutive year, facing off against Oklahoma in PHX Arena, home of the Mercury and Suns. Last year, ASU took down GCU 87-76 in the same arena. The Sun Devils and Sooners have split the all-time series 1-1 heading into this matchup.<\/p>\n NAU, Dec. 9 in Tempe<\/p>\n Two Arizona schools will butt heads as ASU returns home for the first time since Nov. 17. The Sun Devils hold an 80-59 all-time advantage against Northern Arizona, with the most recent meeting in 2022 going ASU\u2019s way 84-68.<\/p>\n Santa Clara, Dec. 13 in Las Vegas<\/p>\n A second consecutive neutral-site meeting with Santa Clara awaits the Sun Devils in Las Vegas. ASU has won seven straight against the Broncos, including an 81-74 victory last November.\u00a0<\/p>\n UCLA, Dec. 17 in Los Angeles<\/p>\n ASU will travel to Southern California to face off against former Pac-12 foe UCLA for the 101st meeting in the two programs\u2019 history. As part of a home-and-home agreement, UCLA will visit Tempe at a later date. The Bruins eked out a 68-66 win against ASU in their last matchup back in January 2024.\u00a0<\/p>\n Oregon State, Dec. 21 in Tempe<\/p>\n ASU closes out its nonconference schedule with a showdown against Oregon State. The Beavers went 20-13 last year but lost their last meeting with the Sun Devils 84-71 in 2024. ASU holds the all-time series advantage 55-45.<\/p>\n Edited by Jack McCarthy, Henry Smardo and Ellis Preston.<\/p>\n Reach the reporter at pvallur2@asu.edu<\/a> and follow @PrathamValluri<\/a> on X.<\/p>\n Like The State Press<\/a> on Facebook and follow @statepress<\/a> on X.<\/p>\n \nPratham Valluri<\/strong>Sports Reporter\n<\/p>\n Pratham Valluri is a sports reporter at The State Press. He is a junior majoring in sports journalism with a business minor. He\u2019s in his 5th semester with The State Press working previously as an opinion writer.<\/p>\n Continue supporting student journalism and donate<\/a> to The State Press today.<\/p>\n