Desmond Cambridge and the Arizona State Sun Devils have been pleasant surprises in college basketball. For Cambridge, his collegiate journey has been anything but ordinary.
Cambridge spent the first two seasons of his collegiate career at Brown University. After his sophomore season, Cambridge transferred to the Nevada Wolfpack and played there for two more seasons.
But Cambridge wasn't done yet. Playing as a fifth-year senior, Cambridge made the decision to suit up for the Arizona State Sun Devils. He's off to a solid season, averaging 11.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game.
Desmond Cambridge and Arizona State making noise in college basketball
The Arizona State Sun Devils weren't expected to be a contender in the Pac-12 this year. Especially after losing their third game of the year at Southwestern Athletic Conference member Texas Southern 67-66.
But then the Sun Devils caught fire. After a 2-1 start, Arizona State (11-1, 2-0 Pac-12) has rattled off nine consecutive wins. One of those wins came against the Michigan Wolverines, who were ranked 20th in the country at the time.
On top of that, the Sun Devils just moved up to No. 25 in the rankings. In a competitive Pac-12, teams such as No. 5 Arizona (10-1, 1-1) and No. 13 UCLA (10-2, 2-0) were expected to be at the top of the standings.
Heading into Tuesday night's action, the Sun Devils find themselves at the top of the Pac-12 standings, tied with UCLA, USC (9-3, 2-0) and Utah (9-3, 2-0).
Cambridge, whose brother, Devan, is a senior guard at ASU, has been a consistent force for the Sun Devils. In his last four games, he's averaging 16.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 2.3 spg. He's also shooting 47.9%, including 43.8% from 3-point range during that span.
Arizona State has piled up a number of impressive wins so far. On top of their 87-62 victory against Michigan on Nov. 17, the Sun Devils defeated the Creighton Blue Jays 73-71 on Dec. 12.
With conference play starting around the country, Arizona State will be tested more than ever. They will have momentum on their side, as the Sun Devils have been one of the hottest teams in the country.
Desmond Cambridge and Arizona State will take on San Francisco (9-4) in nonconference action on Wednesday night. After that, the Sun Devils will host their archrivals, the Arizona Wildcats, on Dec. 31.
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