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Declaring the ceiling for his sixth Arizona State basketball team to be “limitless,” Bobby Hurley gave a glowing preseason report Thursday that not even some injury news could seriously diminish.

The Sun Devils, who begin full practice Wednesday, will be without senior forward Kimani Lawrence for another three weeks due to a knee injury and sophomore guard Caleb Christopher for 6-8 weeks following thumb surgery.

Lawrence is expected to be ready for the season opener, which Hurley confirmed will be at the Empire Classic, Nov. 25-26 in Uncasville, Connecticut. 

ASU will join Villanova, Baylor — both rated as national championship contenders —and Boston College in the powerhouse Empire field at Mohegan Sun Arena. The Sun Devils are replacing Michigan, which dropped out of the multi-team event.

MORE: ASU basketball’s Remy Martin a top contender for National Player of the Year

“I found out quickly that no one really wanted to travel,” Hurley said of trying to schedule non-conference games after the Pac-12 decided Sept. 24 to use the same basketball starting date as the rest of the country. “It was very difficult to convince some of the programs we were hoping to attract here closer to our footprint.

“It became apparent that we were going to have to make a move,” he said, then joking about easing his team into competition in Connecticut, when reality is the opposite.

“It’s a really strong field. If I didn’t have the confidence I have in what I’ve been watching over the last several weeks, I probably wouldn’t have signed on for that. You’re either going to be willing to go to these events or you’re going to have a hard time scheduling the caliber of games you’re looking for.”

ASU went 1-1 last season in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off at Mohegan Sun, beating St. John’s and losing by three points to then No. 7 Virginia. The Sun Devils went on to finish 20-11 before their season ended prior to the Pac-12 Tournament quarterfinals due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Because star guards Remy Martin and Alonzo Verge are returning, after initially declaring then withdrawing from the NBA draft, and Hurley is bringing in one of the most anticipated recruiting classes in school history, ASU already is receiving lofty preseason attention, including multiple rankings in the top 15.

“I’ve got a ton of confidence about what I’ve been watching (in small group workouts) and I haven’t even seen three guys that are going to be in the rotation,” Hurley said. “The fact I’m this optimistic right now says a lot. From what I’m seeing, it’s given me every indication that it could be my most talented team with the most potential.”

ASU has only been ranked in the Associated Press preseason top 25 four times, most recently in 2008-09 (No. 15) when James Harden was a sophomore. It would be a surprise if the Sun Devils aren’t included in that preseason poll next month.

“I’m not going to downplay (expectations),” Hurley said. “Those people that have put us in that category, it’s justifiable going into the season. That will get sorted out, and it’s going to happen real fast. We’re going to get tested immediately then we’ll see where we are. But I like my chances not only early but long term.”

Hurley said Martin, his All Pac-12 first team point guard, is back on campus and expected to be full go next week. Freshman 6-8 forward Pavlo Dziuba from Ukraine is traveling to the U.S. soon. “I can’t wait to get him on campus,” Hurley said.

Senior guard Holland Woods, a transfer from Portland State, is eligible to play this season but still deciding whether he will do so or redshirt. “I’m in favor of where his heart is and what he thinks is in his best interest,” Hurley said.

In addition to Martin, Verge and Jaelen House, ASU guards include 6-5 freshman Josh Christopher, ranked No. 11 (ESPN) nationally in the 2020 recruiting class. If Christopher plays just one season before going to the NBA, all but House would be gone after 2020-21, perhaps making it smarter for Woods to sit out this season.

Hurley said Christopher already is asking to be coached harder, showing max effort like diving for a loose ball at half court and has a “little rivalry brewing” with Verge. 

“As advertised, his competitive drive is unbelievable,” Hurley said. “He’s got an amazing skill set offensively. Real charismatic guy. He’s a special talent and wants to win desperately. He’s the whole package.”

Hurley is equally as high on 6-8 freshman forward Marcus Bagley, brother of NBA 2018 No. 2 overall draft pick Marvin Bagley and grandson of ASU Hall of Famer Joe Caldwell.

“Bagley’s got a cannon,” Hurley said. “He’s really got a beautiful shot. If Bagley is the No. 30 player, this is going to be a heck of a freshman class because I’d love to see the other 28 guys minus Josh.

“I really have high hopes when I talk about going to the deep end of the pool,” a plunge that ASU will be taking soon in search of a fourth consecutive 20-win season and perhaps its deepest NCAA Tournament run since reaching the Sweet 16 in 1995.

MORE: ASU basketball surges in college basketball rankings ahead of 2020-21 season

MORE: Remy Martin opts out of NBA draft, will return to ASU for senior season

Reach the reporter at [email protected] or 602-444-8053. Follow him on Twitter @jeffmetcalfe.

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