TEMPE, Ariz. — The transfer portal is wreaking havoc on the college basketball scene yet again, and a former Sun Devil guard has entered the portal for a second time. However, it is rumored that Bobby Hurley and Arizona State basketball could be involved in bringing a former player back to Tempe.
Former Sun Devil Austin Nunez enters the portal
Austin Nunez has entered the transfer portal for the second time in his young collegiate career. Nunez began in Tempe, playing for ASU in the 2022-23 season. As a true freshman, he averaged 16 minutes per game and 4.5 points per game. Coming off the bench Nunez showed a lot of potential, proving himself to be a strong perimeter defender. He also was a capable shooter, knocking in 37% of his threes and shooting 41.5% from the field.
His brightest moments came in a blowout victory over a nationally-ranked Michigan opponent. Nunez cooked the Wolverines, scoring 15 points while shooting 60% from the field in Brooklyn. ASU cruised to a 25-point victory.
Another memorable moment for the freshman was him sinking three free throws in a row to force overtime against Washington. While the Sun Devils would go on to lose in overtime, Nunez calmly sank three free throws in a high-pressure situation to force OT.
However, he entered the portal following his freshman season, much to the dismay of Arizona State fans. Nunez chose Ole Miss as his destination spot.
Nunez at Ole Miss
The grass did not prove to be greener in Ole Miss for Nunez, as he only played six minutes per game. In limited minutes he averaged 0.7 ppg, 0.6 rebounds per game, and 0.6 assists per game. Now Nunez is back in the portal and he has a “Do-Not Contact” label. This could hint at Arizona State being involved according to Barry Jenkins of 247 Sports.
Could a familiar face make a return to Tempe?
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