Arizona State University (ASU) has recently experienced a significant shift in its men’s basketball recruiting landscape, marked by the decommitment of several high-profile recruits. These changes have raised questions about the program’s direction under head coach Bobby Hurley, especially as the team transitions into the competitive Big 12 Conference.
Sammie Yeanay’s Decommitment and Move to Grand Canyon University
One of the most notable decommitments is that of four-star forward Sammie Yeanay. Initially committed to ASU, Yeanay reopened his recruitment in late May 2024. Shortly thereafter, he announced his commitment to Grand Canyon University (GCU), choosing to stay in Arizona but opting for a different program. Yeanay, a top-100 player from AZ Compass Prep, brings significant talent to GCU’s roster citeturn0search0.
Bo Aldridge Requests Release from Letter of Intent
In early June 2024, three-star guard Ketraleus “Bo” Aldridge requested a release from his National Letter of Intent to ASU. Aldridge, who averaged 16.8 points per game for the Diamond Doves in the Overtime Elite League, had signed with ASU in November 2023. His departure came shortly after five-star guard Joson Sanon decommitted from Arizona and committed to ASU, adding complexity to the team’s backcourt dynamics citeturn0search1.
Joson Sanon’s Transfer to St. John’s
Adding to the roster changes, Joson Sanon, a four-star guard who played his freshman season at ASU, transferred to St. John’s University in March 2025. Sanon, ranked as the No. 5 shooting guard and No. 24 overall player in the nation in the Class of 2024, averaged 11.9 points and 3.4 rebounds in 27 games for the Sun Devils. His move brings him closer to his hometown of Fall River, Massachusetts, and offers him the opportunity to play under Coach Rick Pitino citeturn0news13.
Jayden Quaintance’s Recommitment to Kentucky
Another significant change involved five-star center Jayden Quaintance. Initially committed to ASU, Quaintance recommitted to the University of Kentucky in April 2025. During his freshman season at ASU, he averaged 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. Despite undergoing ACL surgery in March, he is expected to return to play in the upcoming season citeturn0news14.
Impact on ASU’s Recruiting Class and Program Direction
These decommitments and transfers have significantly impacted ASU’s 2024 recruiting class, which was previously considered one of the best in the nation. The departures of Yeanay, Aldridge, Sanon, and Quaintance have left the program with notable gaps to fill. While ASU has secured commitments from other players, including four-star forward Amier Ali and transfers like Brandon Gardner from USC citeturn0search6, the loss of multiple top recruits presents challenges for the team’s competitiveness in the Big 12.
Looking Ahead
As ASU prepares for its inaugural season in the Big 12 Conference, the program faces the task of rebuilding and reestablishing its recruiting momentum. The recent roster changes underscore the volatility of college basketball recruiting and the importance of adaptability in maintaining a competitive program. Coach Bobby Hurley and his staff will need to leverage existing talent and seek new opportunities to ensure the Sun Devils remain a formidable presence in their new conference.
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