Episode 349 - Early Spring Impressions & Hoops Heartbreak

As the Diamond Devils face a crisis, the football team bolsters it’s ranks. We open with a dive into the latest transfer portal additions and 2024 recruiting commitments and how they’ll impact Kenny Dillingham’s program now and in the future. Then we talk with two new Sun Devil defenders: defensive tackle Dashaun Mallory (28:02) and cornerback Dee Ford (40:00). Finally, we’re joined by Jack Loder of DevilsDigest.com for a report on the baseball team’s recent slide, perilous postseason outlook, and what it means moving forward (1:01:11).

The school year is drawing to a close, which means it’s time for my annual in-depth conversation with Arizona State Athletic Director Ray Anderson. This is the sixth year Anderson and I have taken an in-depth examination of Sun Devil, Pac-12, and collegiate athletics, and this may be the most interesting yet.   As he enters his ninth year at the helm of ASU’s athletic department, we discuss the new era of Sun Devil football, how the school is supporting the Activate the Valley movement, the highs and lows from other key sports, infrastructure projects, and a candid look at reasons behind the collective lack of national success for the three highest-profile sports. We also take a deep dive into ASU’s evolving approach to NIL, and get the latest on the NCAA’s investigation into the football program. We also discuss the uncertain future of the Pac-12 Conference and the media rights negotiations, the seeming inevitability of superconferences and ASU’s place within that landscape, tailgating and the fans game day experience and much more.

As summer nears, the transfer portal is heating up. We dive into a review of the latest football and basketball additions and departures, and then discuss what's left on the shopping list. Then we're joined by Cole Topham, Saguaro High School's new Offensive Analyst and Football Creative Director, for his in-depth analysis on ASU's 2023 NFL Draft results and a look at the top prospects for 2024 (35:44)

Spring’s heating up and the Devils are busy. With DevilsDigest.com writer Jack Loder joining us in studio, we break down the flurry of transfer portal activity for the football and men’s basketball teams. We then turn our attention to the diamond for an in-depth discussion on a wild week for the baseball team and the critical stretch that is ahead.

ASU's 2023 spring practice slate is in the books. With Hod Rabino and Cole Topham of DevilsDigest.com joining us in studio, we break down the quarterback competition, major developments, key position battles, questions both raised and answered, and the Sun Devils' updated offseason to-do list.

A Pac-10 champion and All-American on the field, Kyle Murphy has become an even better man off of it. But that evolution took time, hard work, and ultimately, facing some hard personal truths. In this episode, Kyle discusses his path to becoming an All-American offensive lineman at Arizona State, his friendship with Pat Tillman, and what being named a team captain meant to him. He also opens up on the struggles of life after football, how he finally placed a focus on mental health, and how therapy has made him a better husband, father, coach, and teacher.

ASU's final practice before the spring game is in the books. After a long and physical session, I caught up with TE Bryce Pierre and LB Will Shaffer.

ASU held their third scrimmage of the spring on Tuesday, and the defense won the day. After the final whistle, we talked with RB Cam Skattebo & WR coach Ra'Shaad Samples.

After ASU wrapped up their 11th practice of the spring, we caught up with EDGE Ashley Williams & S Shamari Simmons.

The start of ASU's fourth week of spring practice was a balanced affair, with both the offense and defense taking turns excelling. After it wrapped up, we caught up with QB Drew Pyne and WR Andre Johnson.