2000-01 record: 13-16; 5-13 in Pac-10 (t6th) Final Ranking: NR Postseason: None. RETURNING LEADERS Points: Storey 13.1 ppg | Rebounds: Storey 9.1 rpg | Assists: Dodd 2.2 apg | FG %: Smith 56.8% | 3pt %: Dodd 32.1% | FT %: Redhage 81.6% 00-01 Stats: Arizona State | Pac-10

		Monday, Nov. 5 The single biggest key for Arizona State is toughness, both physical and mental. The Sun Devils are athletic and will defend, but need to absorb physical play and give it back in kind. Tommy Smith can be All-Conference and Jason Braxton will add a new dimension at point. Watch for Curtis Millage, a strong, powerful guard who is as quick as any guard in the conference. Arizona State could be a surprise team in the nation.

Outlook
It is the most talented team Rob Evans will coach in four seasons at ASU, one with quality depth and experience, one capable of pushing tempo and reaching the post-season.

And the Sun Devils are still picked seventh in conference.

ASU still needs to prove its bench can compete with the UCLAs and Stanfords and Arizonas of Pac-10 ball. Also, junior forward Tommy Smith, one of the league's best pure talents, needs to stay out of foul trouble. He fouled out of 10 games last season and averaged just 19 minutes.

"It is the first time we really have a strong inside presence," said Evans, whose team is coming off a 13-16 finish. "Last year was very difficult for us. We don't like excuses, but it was obvious we were hurt by injuries. We had nine lettermen returning last fall and were playing with just six at the beginning of the Pac-10 season. Sometimes you have to take a step back to get better."

The league's worst 3-point shooting team should improve outside with the return of redshirts like sophomores Tanner Shell and Justin Allen. Also, senior Awvee Storey -- the team's second-leading scorer and the conference's top rebounder last season -- returns. Kyle Dodd is a junior point guard who will be pushed by athletic freshman Jason Braxton.

One of the league's best stories is Allen, who missed last season while being treated for Hodgkin's disease. He is again healthy and back shooting that jumper.

What we like: Smith, Storey, Chad Prewitt, Chris Osborne, Shawn Redhage ... Finally, ASU can match up in and around the post. Storey should benefit most. His minutes might decrease, but he will be better for it and able to stay out of foul trouble. Smith (6-foot-9, 210 pounds) averaged 12.5 points over the final 15 games and hit 11 straight shots against Washington, but must avoid that all-too-familiar whistle.

What we don't like: Point guard. The team's leading scorer from last season (Alton Mason) is gone and with him valuable experience. Dodd and his 61 career games might start the season, but Braxton is too good not to earn time quickly. Still, first-year lead guards often struggle. Kenny Crandall returns from a Mormon mission, but might need time to re-discover his skills.

The bottom line: A bit of a mystery. There is no question ASU is better, but how much remains to be seen. Five teams from the Pac-10 are a good bet for the NCAAs and the Sun Devils should find themselves in the mix if injuries don't again hit the roster. It's an NIT team at worst, and a soft non-conference schedule will help pad the win column.

Key Players Returning
Player	Yr.	Pos.	Ht./Wt.	Comment
Awvee Storey	Sr.	F	6-6/221	PTS: 13.1 | REB: 9.1 | AST: 0.9
Chad Prewitt	Sr.	F/C	6-9/241	PTS: 10.1 | REB: 4.9 | AST: 2.1
Donnell Knight	Jr.	F	6-7/221	PTS: 9.8 | REB: 4.6 | AST: 2.1
Tommy Smith	Jr.	F	6-9/210	PTS: 9.3 | REB: 4.5 | AST: 1.4

Key Losses
Player	Pos.	Ht./Wt.	Comment
Alton Mason	G	6-1/186	PTS: 13.4 | REB: 3.5 | AST: 3.8

Arizona State Signings
Player	Pos.	Ht.	High School/College
Jason Braxton	G	6-2	Moreno Valley, Calif./Canyon Springs H.S.
Chris Osborne	F	6-9	Los Angeles/Compton College
Curtis Millage	G	6-2	Los Angeles/LA Southwest College