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Shooting guard Evan Gordon has decided to leave the Arizona State basketball program according to head coach Herb Sendek. Gordon started 25 games last season for the Sun Devils, scoring 10.1 points per game and grabbing 2.9 rebounds per game. Coach Sendek broke the news on a teleconference for season ticket holders Wednesday night.
Gordon only played last season as a Sun Devil, as the guard sat out the 2011-2012 season after transferring from Liberty University. Gordon averaged 32.2 minutes per game last season, shooting 35 percent from beyond the arc.
Gordon follows guards Demetrious Walker (New Mexico), Keala King (Long Beach State) and Corey Hawkins (UC Davis) as backcourt players who have transferred away from Arizona State. Hawkins averaged 20.3 ppg and 5.6 rpg for UC Davis last season. Last season, Trent Lockett, Kyle Cain and Chance Creekmur all left the Arizona State basketball program as well.
Sendek did not mention a specific school that Gordon will transfer to, just that he will return home to Indiana for his senior season.
Coach mentioned on fan forum tonight Evan Gordon wants to play closer to home in senior season and we wish him well.
— ASU Men's Basketball (@SunDevilHoops) May 9, 2013
Gordon already finished his degree in interdisciplinary studies, and is eligible to play right away at the school he chooses to attend.
Gordon's departure leaves the backcourt situation at ASU a little messy. Carson is set at the point guard spot but who will start next to him remains a mystery. Guard Calaen Robinson, a former Corona Del Sol standout, will suit up this season after sitting out last season due to an off the court matter.
The Sun Devils will bring in freshman Chance Murray and Egor Koulechov for the 2013-2014 season. Both are rated 2-star prospects by ESPN.com. Murray is listed as a shooting guard and Koulechov a small forward.
Arizona State will also bring in two transfers next season in shooting guard Brandon Kearney (Michigan State) and small forward Sai Tummala (Salt Lake City CC).
Sendek also formally announced Wednesday night that the team will host Big East power Marquette next season on November 25th. The Golden Eagles were an Elite Eight participant next season and figure to be one of Arizona State's most notable non-conference opponents.