Eric Sorenson
Just days after arguably their biggest win of the year the Arizona State men’s basketball program took a hit with the sudden transfer of freshman guard Sam Cunliffe.
The news first broke Monday afternoon that the 6-foot-6, 200-pounder from Seattle had requested his scholarship release to pursue other options.
The four-star prospect out of Rainier Beach High School was Bobby Hurley’s first and most decorated commit in his short tenure in Tempe. He was the highest prospect to sign with ASU since James Harden.
Expectations were high on both sides when he entered the program this year.
“I believe in Coach Hurley,” Cunliffe told Sports360AZ.com last December at the Hoophall West Tournament at Chaparral High School. “I believe in his staff. I feel like Coach Hurley is a great coach.”
Per a program source, Cunliffe’s transfer is due at least in part to unspecified family issues. Was averaging 9.5 points in 25.4 minutes.
— SunDevilSource.com (@SunDevilSource) December 12, 2016
Cunliffe started all 10 games for the Sun Devils (6-4) averaging just 10 points and around five rebounds a game in 25 minutes per contest. He scored six points on just 1-7 shooting in the Devils win over San Diego State Saturday evening in southern California.
ASU hosts New Mexico State on Saturday.
