Jahii Carson learning, maturing at ASU

This wasn’t exactly how Jahii Carson envisioned his freshman at Arizona State, but he’s certainly making the best of it.

The former Mesa High star and jewel of Herb Sendek’s 2011 recruiting class was ruled academically ineligible before suiting up for his first game. Without the services of Carson and sophomore Keala King, who was dismissed from the program earlier this month, the Devils have struggled with consistency at point guard.

Sendek has since handed the keys to 6’6 forward Trent Lockett who assumed the role before spraining his ankle against Oregon State.

With nearly no experience or depth behind Carson and King, the senior-less Sun Devils have struggled and find themselves near the bottom of the Pac-12 after Saturday’s lopsided loss to Utah.

Through it all, Carson has been humbled by his first year in Tempe.

“It made me grow up and take everything seriously and never take anything for granted,” Carson told Brad Cesmat on “Big Guy on Sports” Wednesday. “Things can be snatched away from you at any moment. This is a lesson being taught to me. It’s making me grow up.”

It’s been a different experience off the court, as well as he’s adjusting to being a full-time college student. Carson hasn’t declared a major, but said he’s taking 14 credit hours and may pursue a degree in communications or public speaking.

Although he can’t play in games until next season, he’s been able to practice with team and hopes to take on a leadership role when he is eligible this fall.

“In practice I try to be more of a vocal leader,” Carson explained to Cesmat. “I try to get my teammates to pull towards me when it comes to leadership so we can get that bond and connection next year when we’re on the floor.”

ASU’s Jahii Carson on ‘Big Guy on Sports’

ASU (6-13, 2-5) will look to break their two-game losing streak when they host the Washington Huskies (12-7, 5-2) Thursday at Wells Fargo Arena. Tip-off is set for 8:30p.m.