Arizona State has one of the best JC recruiting classes in the country and their three JC transfers should help them immediately in year one. ASU’s old staff signed Andre Spight, a 6’3 guard from South Plains College, in the early signing period. Bobby Hurley and his new staff didn’t waste any time this spring after being hired. They signed Obinna Oleka, a 6’8 forward, and Maurice O’Field, a 6’5 wing from Midland College. All three JC transfers were ranked in the top 20 of our 2015 JUCO Top 100.
What is ASU getting with theses JUCO transfer? Here’s a look at each:
Andre Spight – Spight is a shooting guard from JUCO powerhouse South Plains College. He handles the ball well and can shift to the point at times if needed. Spight is very tough to defend because of his deep range on his jumper and his quick release. He also has a very good mid-range game, which makes him tough to guard because he can attack off the dribble and pull up at anytime in the lane. Spight also sees the floor very well and is a good passer in transition and in half-court settings. He will stretch the floor next season in Tempe with his ability to knock down shots in bunches. Spight averaged 15 points, 3.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game last season as a sophomore at South Plains.
Obinna Oleka - Oleka is a powerful 6’8 forward who has the ability to score inside and out. He handles the ball very well for his size and is excellent in transition. He is able to rebound the ball on the defensive end and attack in transition. Oleka is very strong and skilled in the low post with his back to the basket. He can also stretch the floor with his ability to shoot the three and attack off the dribble. Bigger, slower defenders will have trouble keeping him in front defensively. Defensively, Oleka can guard multiple spots (3, 4 or 5) and is excellent on the glass on both ends. There will be an adjustment period for him after sitting out for a full season, but he should adjust quickly after getting a few games under his belt. At State College of FL, Oleka averaged 10 points and 6 rebounds per game as a freshman. He only played a portion of his sophomore year, but averaged 25.6 points and 13.6 rebounds during that time.
Maurice O’Field – Maurice O’Field is an explosive three man who attacks the rim extremely well in transition. He hits the glass hard on both ends and can defend multiple spots on the perimeter. O’Field has the strength and athleticism to compete immediately in the Pac 12. He will need some work on his jumper to really extend his range, but should be able to that over the summer and into his first season at ASU. O’Field averaged 15.8 points and 5 rebounds per game this season while shooting 50% from the field at Midland College. Last season was O’Field’s first year at junior college, which means he will have three years to play at ASU.