It would be difficult for a single transfer to make up for the string of players who have walked away from Arizona State's basketball program over the past few years but head coach Herb Sendek might come close with Monday's transfer news.
CBS Sports' Gary Parrish had reported that "free agent" guard Jermaine Marshall has decided to transfer to ASU for his senior season after leaving Penn State's program last month. Marshall will be eligible to play right away too since he's set to graduate on Aug. 10 from his former university.
Marshall averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game for the Nittany Lions last season. If that points-per-game average holds, Marshall would be the fourth highest scorer among returning Pac-12 players.
Obviously this is a huge get for a Sun Devils team who lost Carrick Felix to the pros and Evan Gordon to a transfer this offseason. The 6-foot-4 Marshall should instantly slide into a starting backcourt position next to Jahii Carson, giving Arizona State arguably the most formidable guard duo in the conference. It will be interesting to see how they carve out their roles together since both players are at their best when slashing to the rim.
Herb Sendek and company already added combo-guard Shaquielle McKissic on a transfer a few weeks back as well so now it's looking like what once was a potential weakness could be a position of strength. And with the way this roster is shaping out, Sendek's job very likely could be on the line if he doesn't finally get the Sun Devils back to the big dance.
North Carolina, Florida State and Creighton were also reportedly vying for Marshall's services.