Cunliffe discusses ASU pledge

Eight days ago Sam Cunliffe told us following his visit to Tempe that Arizona State would be hard to beat. True to his word the wing player from Seattle committed to the Sun Devils today becoming the first 2016 class addition for Bobby Hurley and his staff.

"I wanted to commit on the visit," Cunliffe admitted. "But when you're out of place and you're being treated like I star and everything is great, you feel that you want to commit. But I wanted to get back home and see if I felt the same way, and I did.

"It really was Coach Hurley at the end of the day. Being around him and his staff, seeing who I would be learning from and what I want to do…it's an amazing opportunity. To be one of the first guys to start off his program it was a special opportunity as well. The way Coach Hurley treated me and my family was very special. He told me I made his day and it was special for him to see me believe in him and what he was doing with the team."

The 6-7 188-pound Cunliffe said in a previous interview that he can play either guard position or small forward, and commented that his versatility is extremely appealing to Hurley.

"Being 6-7 and handling the ball the way I do separates me from everyone else," Cunliffe said. "I do a good job involving my teammates and pushing the ball. I also have a good basketball I.Q. and coach said I'm an early complete player that can do great in college. I've played mostly point guard but I'm not locked into playing that position.

"I knew about Arizona State because they were recruiting me (under the previous staff) but I never thought I would go there. I grew up a Duke fan and when I saw that Coach Hurley was going to Arizona State I thought that was special because he's like an up and coming Coach K (current Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski). I really think Coach Hurley will take Arizona State to the top."

Cunliffe, who up until now attended Blanchet High School and has now transferred to Rainier Beach High School. He will play with his A Plus Black during the AAU tournament circuit next month.

Even if additional offers may come his way as a result of his play next month, Cunliffe said that: "I'm pretty confident in my decision. I just want to have a great AAU season, a great senior year, finish that out and do my best to become a better player."

Cunliffe is planning to officially sign with ASU in November.

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