Sun Devils add impact transfer Marshall

One of the Big Ten's top scorers in 2012-13 will play his senior season at Arizona State in 2013-14.

Jermaine Marshall's decision to transfer from Penn State to Arizona State could give the Sun Devils one of the nation's most prolific backcourts in the country in 2013.

Last season, the 6-foot-4, 205 pound shooting guard averaged 15.3 points 4.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists for Penn State and shot 33.9 percent from 3-point range. Marshall is expected to graduate in August and be able to play immediately for ASU in his final season of eligibility.

"For me it was my comfort level and the ability to play with (sophomore point guard) Jahii (Carson) as well as the opportunity we have to win at ASU," Marshall said. "I think the coaching is great there and I felt comfortable from the moment I arrived on my visit, almost as though I'd already been there for my four years and was a part of the program."

Marshall considered applying for the NBA Draft, which likely would have led to a professional career overseas before electing to transfer for his final season of college eligibility. He visited Florida State subsequent to his ASU visit and also considered several other schools before settling on the Sun Devils.

"My family really liked ASU and the coaching staff and we all felt like it was a perfect opportunity to learn and have a chance to win a lot of games and it's a nice place to live as well," Marshall said.

The Sun Devils were looking for another transfer who could make an immediate impact after losing shooting guard Evan Gordon to Indiana several months ago. On paper, Marshall looks to be an improvement over Gordon, who averaged 10.1 points with a marginally better 3-point percentage but fewer rebounds and assists.

The addition would seem to significantly boost the team's NCAA hopes for next season. ASU returns two frontcourt players capable of breaking out, center Jordan Bachynski and forward Jon Gilling, and already added third-team junior college All-American forward Sai Tummala and junior college wing Shaquielle McKissic.