TEMPE — The Arizona State women’s basketball program is seeking to make a resurgence in year one of the Molly Miller era in 2025-26. <\/p>\n
The Sun Devils haven’t made the NCAA tournament since the 2018-19 season – the winning ways of the past are currently being chased by Miller despite being in the program-building phase. <\/p>\n
Arizona State on SI is selecting three players on the squad that will be key to the pursuit of piling up victories – and perhaps even making a surprise run to the tournament come March. <\/p>\n
Brackens is a junior who transferred to Tempe during the spring following two seasons at UNLV – Miller personally made a concerted effort to land a commitment from the Texas native after previously crossing paths via multiple scrimmages.<\/p>\n
“I think McKenna Brackens, who you just spoke to, is going to be a rising star in the league,” said Miller following Thursday’s practice – this notion has been validated, as Brackens has come up in conversations surrounding being a potential breakout in the Big 12 in 2025-26. <\/p>\n
Expect the 6’1″ forward to make a major impact this season after flashing the last two seasons in the Mountain West.<\/p>\n
Hayes is a proven three-year player that transferred in from a fairly successful program in Western Kentucky – a school in which the guard scored north of 1,000 points for. <\/p>\n
While Hayes hasn’t been the most consistent three-point shooter as a collegiate athlete, the Tennessee native has been proven to be a relentless slasher, tenacious when playing the passing lanes, and a consistent free-throw shooter. <\/p>\n
Expect the senior to be a key piece to the team’s pursuit to surprise the college basketball world this season.<\/p>\n
Elliott is a senior with significant experience at three different power four schools prior to Arizona State – coach Miller was very pointed when discussing the experience on Thursday.<\/p>\n
“Gabby Elliott is just a proven power four player. So you know, she’s gonna come in and contribute. She averaged double digit scoring last year, so she’s a big piece to our success.”<\/p>\n
Elliott is just 19 points shy of 1,000 career points, and has improved her all-around game in virtually every facet imaginable. <\/p>\n
The Sun Devils have real potential to compete to be a mid-tier team in an incredibly competitive Big 12 this season, and these three players will play an instrumental role in the chase to make the NCAA tournament.<\/p>\n
The first game of the season is set to be played on November 3 in Tempe against Coppin State.<\/p>\n
Read more about Arizona State basketball coach Bobby Hurley speaking directly to fans ahead of the start of the 2025 season here<\/a>, and on three major takeaways from the 42-10 loss to Utah here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Please let us know your thoughts when you like our Facebook page\u00a0when you click right here<\/a>.<\/p>\n