As someone who grew up an ASU fan, and has had several family members attend Arizona State University, a scholarship offer led to a “no brainer” decision for Houston Christian transfer guard Brycen Long who attended Gilbert (Ariz.) High School to commit to the hometown team.

“When they offered me, I knew exactly where I’m going” Long admitted. “When I entered the portal, I wanted to go to a place where I can win. I saw what they did last year and I know they wanted to add a few more pieces that will get them past the first round (of the NCAA Tournament). They have been recruiting me pretty early about a couple of weeks after the transfer portal opened. I’ve been talking the most to (assistant coach) Brandon Rosenthal. He likes me because I’m a shooter and I know coming in that ASU needs good outside shooting, kicking down those threes and forcing the defense to guard and have us spacing the floor.

“Houston Christian was my only D-I offer out of college and playing there allowed me to grow my game, and be confident shooting the ball. The experience I had there really helped me develop as a player.”

Last season Long averaged 13.5 points on 43.4 percent shooting, including 41.6 percent from three-point range for the 10-22 Huskies. He also averaged 86.6 percent from the free throw line. During his three-year career for the Huskies a member of the Southland Conference, Long averaged 10.8 points on 42 percent shooting and 39.5 percent from three-point range, as well as 85.5 percent from the free throw line.

Long’s addition marks the third newcomer guard ASU had added in the offseason, as he joins LSU transfer Adam Miller and Tallahassee Community College transfer Malachi Davis. The Sun Devils are expected to return starting point guard Frankie Collins who currently remains on the list of early entries in the NBA draft and will have the services of incoming freshman Braelon Green. Long said that San Diego, Wyoming, and UTEP were some of the schools that pursued him the hardest since he entered the portal.

Long will spend the next week finishing up his studies at Houston Christian before he embarks on the trip back home to the valley, and this time under very different circumstances.

“I already drove from Houston to Gilbert once and I’m not looking forward to it,” Long admitted. “But at least I know I’m not going away from home this time.”

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