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So far, we have covered the bigs and the guards, and now we look to the wings for the third part of our 2012 ASU basketball preview series. The team returns two solid contributors from 2011-2012, Carrick Felix and Jonathan Gilling. Felix is the lone returning player who averaged double figures last season and Gilling, as a freshman, saw consistent playing time in the final half of the season.
The Returners
Carrick Felix (10.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG in 2011-2012)
There is no doubt that Carrick Felix is one of the leaders on this team. Felix is the only returner that saw extended minutes last season. The senior from Goodyear, Arizona, saw time at both guard and forward last season, averaging over 25 minutes a game. Felix has shown the ability to hit the long range shot and also take the ball to the basket.
Felix may be the second most important player on this team, behind Jahii Carson. He can play multiple positions on the floor, for both offense and defense. As a senior, Felix will be a leader both on and off the court for the Sun Devils this season.
Jonathan Gilling (7.1 PPG, 1.8 RPG in 2011-2012)
There was no bigger surprise on the 2011-2012 Sun Devils than Jonathan Gilling. After a quiet start to the season, the freshman from Denmark averaged nine points a game in 29.9 minutes in the final 22 games. Gilling shot 42% from threes in that span and scored a career high 21 points in Arizona State's upset of U of A last March.
Gilling will most likely step into a starting role this season. Depending on what lineup Herb Sendek decides to go with, Gilling can either start at the three position or come off the bench as the sixth man. One thing hat remains the same, is Gilling's ability to hit the outside shot.
The Newcomers
Richie Edwards (6-7, 220)
Edwards comes to Tempe as a transfer from Valparaiso. Edwards will redshirt this year and not play in 2012-2013. Edwards is a senior, and does bring a veteran presence to the ASU front court, and next year should add some much needed depth.
Check back on Friday for our preview of the ASU coaching staff with Ben Haber.