ASU Basketball: Trent Lockett Could Return On Thursday Against Utah

Dealing with injuries and the loss of several key players over the past few weeks, the ASU basketball team has struggled mightily. Fortunately, the program should get some bright news in the coming week with the return of Trent Lockett.

Lockett, who sprained his right ankle on Jan. 14th in a victory against the Oregon St. Beavers, has missed ASU's past six games while tending to his injury. During that span, the Sun Devils have only recorded one victory (Jan. 28th against the Washington St. Cougars). They have also failed to score more than 50 points in three of their last five games.

Lockett could return to the floor on Thursday against the Utah Utes for a game that he missed the first time around. Though it's too late for his return to have any meaningful significance on ASU's season (given that the Sun Devils are 3-8 in the conference), his return can and should rejuvenate a team that has struggled to compete lately. If nothing else, his play and ball-handling responsibilities should provide a point of intrigue heading into the final stretch of conference play.

The Sun Devils close out their schedule with seven conference games, five of which are at home. The homestand begins with Utah on Thursday, and ASU will look to avenge an embarrassing 64-43 road loss at the hands of the Utes from two weeks ago. Lockett's status is still in question for Thursday's game, but if all goes well, we will hopefully get to watch Lockett pioneer ASU's offense to a total far greater than 43 points in Thursday's game.