WBB Opens 2024-25 Season on Monday Night vs. Jacksonville State

THE GAME: Sun Devil WBB (0-0) vs. Jacksonville State (0-0)
WHEN: Monday at 6:30 p.m. MST
WHERE: Desert Financial Arena • Tempe, Ariz.
WATCH: ESPN+
RADIO: KDUS AM 1060
LIVE STATS: Click Here
PURCHASE TICKETS: Click Here
 
UP NEXT
The Sun Devil women's basketball team opens the 2024-25 campaign on Monday (6:30 p.m. MST) when it hosts Jacksonville State in the first meeting between the two squads at Desert Financial Arena.
 
In addition to it being the season opener, Monday's game is also notable from ASU's perspective as it plays its first game as a member of the Big 12 Conference.
 
Third-year head coach Natasha Adair is excited about ASU playing in the Big 12, expecting it to be as challenging as the Pac-12, arguably the preeminent conference in women's basketball in its final years of existence. Adair also believes the new-look Big 12 will be an important component in recruiting.
 
"It helps a ton that you're still playing on one of the biggest stages," Adair said. "Eight teams from the Pac-12 went to the tournament and eight teams from the Big-12 went to the tournament and now you add the four corner schools. In my opinion, the BIG 12 got better and that's what attracts our student-athletes to want to play at ASU and want to play on the biggest stage because every night you're playing against a top 25 team. 
 
"If you aspire to play at the next level, those pros will be in the arena, and we had some just in practice the other day. It's more about having that competitive advantage and there's no night off and I don't think you lose anything in the change...I think from a recruiting landscape I can go to Orlando, Fla., and recruit a player I might not have been unable to (before). Now I can go to the Midwest and recruit those kids who might have been hesitant because their parents couldn't see them. I just think it helps the recruiting landscape, more eyeballs are going to be on our games night in and night out. The Big 12 got bigger and better by adding the four corner schools."
 
WATCH/LISTEN
• Monday's season opener can be seen on ESPN+. Braiden Bell (play-by-play) and former Sun Devil Arnecia Hawkins (color analyst) will be call.
• The game can also be heard on KDUS AM 1060. Pregame coverage of Monday's game will begin at 6 p.m. Veteran broadcaster and the state of Arizona's 2010 & 2019 Broadcaster of the Year Jeff Munn is in his 21st season as the voice of ASU women's basketball. He will be joined by former Sun Devil head coach Maura McHugh.
 
KEEP AN EYE ON...
• Jazion Jackson, one of the team's eight new players this season, needs one point to reach 1000 for her career. A fifth-year player, Jackson had her best season in 2023-24, averaging a career-high 11.6 ppg while starting 32 games for UTEP.
 
DYNAMIC DUO DEBUT
The 2023-24 Sun Devils were dealt a serious blow when it was announced a month before the start of the season that superstar guard Tyi Skinner would miss the entire season due to a knee injury.
 
Skinner, who played her first two seasons at Delaware, joined Natasha Adair in Tempe after Adair was named ASU's head coach. In 2022-23, Skinner (2023 All-Pac-12 honorable mention) scored 20 or more points 15 times, including a career-high 29 points twice. A starter in all 28 games, Skinner averaged 19.3 ppg, the most by a Sun Devil since the 1988-89 season. She concluded her first campaign in the Maroon and Gold among the leaders in the Pac-12 in points per game (19.3/2nd/27th in the nation), 3-pointers per game (2.43 per game/2nd), minutes per game (36.59/3rd/29th in the nation), FTss made (79/3rd) and attempted (91/4th), steals per game (1.71/5th), 3-point FG percentage (34.7/6th) and FT percentage (78.1/8th).
 
The 2022-23 Sun Devils were left pondering, 'what might have been,' had Skinner been able to share the court with Louisville transfer Jalyn Brown. Much like Skinner did in 2022-23, Brown would emerge as one of the top performers in the Pac-12. In league games, Brown finished 3rd in the Pac-12 in scoring (19.6 ppg), 9th in FT percent (80.6) and tied for 14th in 3-pointers per game (1.56). She scored in double figures 26 times (12 20-point games) including a pair of outings in which she had the two highest-scoring games by a Sun Devil since 2000: 35 vs. Colorado (Jan. 7, 2024) and 34 points at Washington (Jan. 21).  
 
Brown, who earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention honors from the league's coaches and All-Pac-12 recognition from media who cover the league, went on to lead the team in scoring (17.3 ppg) and 3-pointers per game (1.4), was 2nd in FT pct. (76.9), 3-pointers (1.3 per game), minutes (35.54 per game) and FTs made (103) and attempted (134), 3rd in assists (1.6 apg), tied for 3rd in steals (0.9 spg) and 4th in offensive rebounds (1.1 rpg). 
 
With Skinner recovered from her injury, Adair is excited to see what the Sun Devils are capable of with both Skinner and Brown on the court.
 
"It's poetry in motion; those two have known each other even prior to coming here from the Washington, DC area so they know each other's game, and more importantly it's about every other piece in addition to them," Adair said. I'm excited for our fans to see our size inside, it's going be hard to guard (us because) who are you going to sag off on and who are you going to double?
"Watching us work on that every day you can see it coming together. I'm excited about every piece because as much as they are talented there are so many other players and parts. I want to know how opponents are going to stop us."
 
THIS ISN'T A BAKERY
In Adair's first two seasons, opposing teams looking for turnovers have had, relatively speaking, little luck when their opposition is ASU. In Adair's 59 games as ASU's head coach, the Sun Devils averaged only 12.3 turnovers per game. As far as individual seasons are concerned, only one ASU squad did a better job (the 2017-18 squad averaged 11.7) than Adair's first two ASU teams: 12.3 in 2022-23 and 12.4 in 2023-24. 
 
MEET THE NEWCOMERS
Half the players on 2024-25 Sun Devil Squad will be making their debut in the Maroon and Gold this season. Read on below for a thumbnail summary of each player along with head coach Natasha Adair's comments on each player from earlier this year.
 
#0 /// Kennedy Basham /// F /// 6-7 /// Jr. /// Phoenix, Ariz.  
• Kennedy Basham will be returning home after playing two seasons at the University of Oregon.
• Played in 47 games with 24 starting assignments (all 24 starts came sophomore season).
• Led team with 48 blocks and led or tied for team lead in 13 games, finishing with multiple blocks 15 times.
• Scored a season-high 15 points at Washington (Feb. 23) and followed that up with 14 points at Washington State (Feb. 25) for her first career games in double figures. 
Coach A's comments: "I'm thrilled to welcome home local PHH star Kennedy "KB" Basham to our Sun Devil family. A hometown favorite and a player with national recognition, Kennedy is no stranger to playing on the biggest stages in NCAA women's basketball. Kennedy has a pro frame and versatility at 6'7. With her size, range, athleticism and defensive presence, she will be an immediate game changer for us. She's coming off a season in which she recorded 48 blocks.  KB has NCAA Tournament experience and is a missing piece to our success. She is ready to get to work!" 
 
#4 /// Jyah LoVett /// G /// 5-8 /// So. /// San Gabriel, Calif.
• LoVett is coming to ASU from San Jose State where she earned Mountain West All-Freshman Team honors for a season in which she played and started in 17 games as the team's primary point guard.
• Earned Mountain West Freshman of the Week honors three times.
• Averaged 18 ppg in her six Mountain West appearances.
• Scored a career-high 26 points twice: against Fresno State in the Mountain West opener (Jan. 3) and again at UNLV (Jan. 10).
Coach A's comments: "Jyah "Big 4" Lovett is bringing the heat to Tempe. She's a gym rat and a student of the game who can flat out play. She can. She's a strong guard who can score on every level, finish at the rim and has great change of speed and direction. Jyah is a competitor and a winner and is coming off a stellar freshman campaign where she scored in double figures in more than half of her games. She plays with energy and enthusiasm. I'm excited for Sun Devil fans to see Jyah in action. Off-season works starts now!"
 
#7 /// Jazion Jackson /// G /// 5-9 /// Grad. /// Dallas, Texas
• Jackson will be bringing an abundance of experience to Tempe.
• Transferred to ASU from Texas Tech. Unfortunately, Jackson didn't play after a a season-ending injury prior to the season.
• Played her first three seasons for North Texas where she started 72 of 81 games. Raised her scoring average each season while playing for North Texas: 5.9 ppg, 8.6 ppg, 9.2 ppg.
• Had the best season of her career playing for UTEP in 2022-23. Earned First-Team All-Conference USA honors after she started all 32 of UTEP's games and led the team in steals (2.06 per game/fourth in the conference) and was second on the squad in scoring (11.6 ppg), rebounds per game (5.8) and assists per game (2.3).
Coach A's Comments: "Hold on to your seats, Sun Devil nation, because Jazion "Jaz" Jackson will bring the crowd to its feet! She's a prolific scorer on every level and a relentless defender who wreaks havoc on opposing offenses. Jaz is also a rebounding guard, which will be an asset to our team. Quiet by nature but turns it on when the lights come on. Jaz has earned All-Conference honors, is a double-digit scorer and is capable of coming up with a steal anytime she is on defense. She brings high energy, competitiveness and Big 12 experience to Tempe. The work begins now!"
 
#10 /// Kennedy Fauntleroy /// G /// 5-7 /// Jr. /// Upper Marlboro, Md.
• Had outstanding freshman campaign at Georgetown where she was unanimously named the 2023 Big East Freshman of the Year and was named to the league's all-freshman team.
• Started 29 of the 30 games she played in 2022-23 and was named the Big East Freshman of the Week six times. In Big East play, averaged 11.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 2.9 assists per outing.
• Transferred to ASU from Oklahoma State where she played in five games last season. Opened season scoring 14 points in helping OSU defeat SIUE (Nov. 6). Also added four steals in the victory.
Coach A's comments: "Sun Devil fans meet Kennedy "Ken" Fauntleroy. A winner and a competitor, Kennedy made a statement early in her career by earning Big East rookie of the year. She also brings Big 12 experience to Tempe. Her lightning quick speed in transition, ability to score on every level and tremendous defense will make it hard for opponents to contain her. "Ken" is used to the big stage and I'm looking forward to coaching her on it."
 
 #12 /// Makayla Moore /// G /// 6-0 /// Jr. /// San Jose, Calif.
• Transferring to ASU from Seattle U where she played 49 games (28 starts) in two seasons.
• Started all 28 games she played last season and averaged a career-best 11.3 points while playing 29.2 minutes per game.
• Posted a career-high 23 points on a career-best 11 made field goals against UTRGV (Jan. 11, 2024).
• Pulled down a career-high 10 rebounds against UT Arlington (Jan. 13, 2024).
Coach A's comments: "Makayla Moore, is a BIG guard. Very fundamentally skilled. She is a student of the game. She is deadly in the midrange, an efficient scorer and a pesky defender. She's a big rebounding guard which fits perfectly into our system. She is used to winning. She played for world renowned Archbishop Mitty (Calif.), and also won an EYBL Championship with national Powerhouse Cal Stars. Sun Devil fans will love Makayla on and off the court. Excited to get in the gym and work!"
 
#15 /// Heavenly Greer /// F /// 6-3 /// Sr. /// Phoenix, Ariz.
• Like fellow first-year Sun Devil Kennedy Basham, Greer will be returning to her hometown of Phoenix.
• Greer will be familiar with many of ASU's conference opponents as played all three of her seasons in the Big 12: one season at Oklahoma (played 10 games) and two seasons at Kansas State (played 46 contests).
• Played in a career-high 30 contests in her first season playing for Kansas State (2022-23).
• Kansas State made it to the postseason in each of Greer's two seasons playing for the Wildcats (WNIT in 2023 and NCAA Tournament in 2024).
Coach A's comments: "Sun Devil fans will fall in love with Phoenix native, Heavenly "Hev" Greer. She has talent, toughness, athleticism and rebounds in and out of her area. She will be great in transition for us. She is a hybrid in that she plays inside and outside. She is just a relentless worker!! Hev comes to us with Big 12 and NCAA Tournament experience which makes for an easy transition as we'll face teams next season she is familiar with. Hev is a local star who is excited to play in front of family and friends. We can't wait!"
 
#22 /// Timya Grice /// C /// 6-5 /// Fr. /// Katy, Texas
• The lone freshman on ASU's 2024-25 roster, Grice led her Taylor high school squad to the No. 3 (28-7; 12-4 in district) spot in 2024, its first playoff berth since the 2018-19 season.
• In 2023-24, was named one of the Top 26 girls' basketball players in the state of Texas by SB Live and was selected to the TGCA All-State team.
• Prior to the 2023-24 season, was named No. 8 in Vype's Top 30 players in Houston.
• Scored 34 points and a pulled down a school-record 24 rebounds in a victory over district counterpart Seven Lakes.
Joined Taylor's squad in January of 2023, after moving from Mauldin, S.C.
• Averaged 8.7 points and 6.1 rebounds in her three seasons playing for Mauldin (S.C.).
Coach A's comments: "Sun Devil nation please welcome Timya "TG" Grice to Tempe. TG will be big a dominant force inside at six-foot-five.  She is a tenacious rebounder who plays with physicality and passion. TG is coming off of her best high school season in which she earned all-region, first-team all-district and newcomer of the year honors. She also set a school record for the most rebounds and the highest double-double (34/24) in school history. Excited that TG has arrived so we can get to work. Forks Up!" 

32 /// Nevaeh Parkinson /// C /// 6-3 /// Grad. /// Dallas, Texas
• Parkinson is another player who will be toting plenty of experience to Tempe. After playing 20 games in two seasons at New Mexico, had a pair of breakout seasons at UC Irvine in helping the squad earn postseason berths in both 2023 and 2024.
• In 2022-23, was named the Big West's Best Sixth Player and also received All-Big West honorable mention recognition.
• After helping lead UC Irvine to the WNIT in her first season, helped her squad ascend even higher in earning a berth to the NCAA Tournament last season.
• Scored a career-high 18 points (8-10 FGs) and grabbed 10 rebounds in UC Irvine's NCAA Tournament first round game at Gonzaga (Mar. 23).
Coach A's comments: "Neveah Parkinson will ignite Sun Devil nation with her skill set, toughness, energy and effort. She is a force inside and plays with tenacity on the court. Neveah has the versatility to play inside and out. She has great hands and footwork around the rim. She does a phenomenal job of finishing through contact. She is a winner and brings NCAA tournament experience to Tempe. It's time to get to work!" 
 
BACK FOR MORE
Eight players are back from last year's squad, each with the ability to help the Sun Devils climb even higher in the first season of the Big 12. Note: See above for notes on Jalyn Brown and Tyi Skinner. 
 
 #1 /// Kadidia Toure /// F /// 6-3 /// Jr. /// Silver Spring, Md.
• Transferred to ASU in 2023 after playing freshman season at James Madison.
• Enters 2024-25 season with 52 games of experience (21 at JMU and 31 at ASU) and seven starts (all seven at ASU).
• In her first season at ASU, played in every game (7 starts) and led the team in FG pct. (43.5/among players who averaged 5.0 or more FG att per game), was 2nd in O-rebs (1.5 rpg), and 4th in scoring (5.7 ppg/among players who played in at least half the games).
 
#13 /// Maggie Besselink /// G/F /// 6-3 /// Grad. /// Kingston, Ontario
• Versatile scorer and outstanding rebounder.
• Because of injuries, has been limited to 42 games (32 starts) in her career.  
• Played in 12 games (11 starts) before suffering season-ending injury at Washington State (Jan. 19). At time of injury, was 2nd on the team in rebounds per game (4.6 rpg) and 4th in O-rebounds per game (1.3 rpg).
 
#21 /// Hanna Miller /// F • 6-2 /// Jr. /// Aberdeen, S.D.
• Transferred to ASU from Dodge City CC (Dodge City, Kan.) where Miller played one season.
• Older sister of current Sun Devil Mallory Miller. The 2023-24 season was the first for both Hanna and Mallory on the Sun Devil women's basketball team. 
• Played in 3 games as a freshman and accounted for first points of career (4/1-1 3FG/1-2 FTs) in win vs. Idaho State (Nov. 19).
 
#24 /// Mallory Miller /// F /// 6-4 • So /// Aberdeen, S.D.
• Had solid freshman campaign, making important contributions as the season progressed.
• Younger sister Hanna is a member of the Sun Devil women's basketball team.
• Played in 27 contests (four starts - all coming in last four games of the season).
• All 3 of her double-figure scoring games came in Pac-12 play.
• In ASU's 5 games prior to final weekend of regular season, averaged 8.4 ppg (3rd on team), 5.6 rpg and 1.2 bpg (led team in both).  
 
#25 /// Adison Novosel /// G /// 5-11 /// Sr. /// Richfield, Ohio
• Transferred to ASU in 2023 after playing first two seasons at Saint Francis University (played in 35 contests with 25 starts).
• After appearing in seven games off the bench as a freshman, started 25 of 28 games in 2022-23.
• Played in 21 games (9.0 mins per game) in her first season as a Sun Devil. Six of her seven 3-pointers came in Pac-12 play.
• Played 30 minutes and knocked down season-high 3 triples vs. No. 15 Utah (Jan. 5).
 
#30 /// Morasha Wiggins /// G • 6-0 /// Sr. /// Kalamazoo, Mich.
• Transferred to ASU after playing her freshman season (2021-22) at North Carolina. 
• Ranked 18th in the ESPNW Class of 2021 rankings, Wiggins was expected to be an impact player for the Sun Devils before suffering a preseason injury that forced her to miss the entire 2022-23 campaign.
 
MORE FROM NATASHA ADAIR ABOUT THE UPCOMING SEASON
On building culture in the evolving times of college athletics and the transfer portal: "First and foremost I think you have to adapt and we tell our players daily to get used to change. Some coaches love and some hate it, but we have eight new players and seven out of the portal. It's a brand-new team, as soon as the season ended we were in the portal and identified specific needs. We have size, depth, and height, but I love that we have experienced players who have played in the BIG 12. We have balance and being able to see them practice and go five-on-five because for two years we weren't able to do that due to injuries. 
 
"A lot happened in the off-season. We were able to hire Abby Sherard, our new strength coach. I'm big on symbols and wanted to go up A Mountain the first two years to signify the start of the season. I didn't want to leave anyone behind and we couldn't do it. This year we went up A Mountain. As a coach you look at every opportunity and highlight those growth moments. That has been a huge growth moment for us and you're building chemistry with eight new players, but they're mature and we have one freshman, so they've played high-level college basketball. 
"Now it's building chemistry and what lineups we like. We can go big, we can go small, we can press, we can go zone, and adjust according to the flow of the game. I think the portal and the new landscape have been good for the program."
 
On bringing tremendous talent Kennedy Basham back to her hometown:
"In the recruiting process with her, she was intentional in her approach and communicated her needs. The opportunity of being back home was a huge factor, but also being on the biggest stage. She has aspirations to play after college and she wanted to make sure she could check off every box and she remembered playing with two dynamic guards. 
 
"I told this story all the time when she finally made the call. We were super excited because she said it felt like home. If the family atmosphere in the locker room feels that way, having her family and friends in the stands is a bonus. To see her growth and development from day one to now, and how we're going to be able to play with her inside and out. Two dominant posts versus one, but again playing all different ways because she is a hybrid player where she can stretch it and shoot it from three at 6 '7. She's also a rim protector, who blocks shots."
 
On her excitement for the upcoming season: "I'm so pumped. I'm excited just to see it all come together and I know what it looks like. A lot of people here haven't seen it, but I have seen it. This is year 27 for me so I know what it looks like. I know how it's supposed to work, what it takes, so now having the pieces and seeing it in practice and coming together, I cannot wait for opening night because now everyone else will get to see it. 
 
"One thing I do know is that it's still a new team, so we still have that energy to build and that chemistry and culture. When you talk about players that are competing, players that have that chip on their shoulder, players that have that something to prove, we check off all those boxes. I am excited to get started with the season."