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6-foot-6 wing becomes Arizona State’s first 2016 commitment

Bobby Hurley

Bobby Hurley

AP

With his roster for the 2015-16 season close to complete (there’s the Thon Maker recruitment to consider), first-year Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley has reeled in his first commitment in the Class of 2016.

Wednesday afternoon the Sun Devils received a verbal commitment from 6-foot-6 shooting guard/small forward Sam Cunliffe, a native of Seattle who will play his senior season at Rainier Beach HS. News of Cunliffe’s commitment was first reported by Scout.com. Cunliffe attended Bishop Blanchet last year, where he was a second team All-Metro selection by the Seattle Times.

“Sam has a lot of skills and can hit some shots,” NBC Sports recruiting insider Scott Phillips said of Cunliffe. “Arizona State is getting an uptempo wing who should fit in well with what Bobby Hurley is trying to accomplish.”

Cunliffe visited Arizona State last weekend following a good showing at the Pangos All-American Camp, and he also held offers from programs such as Colorado, Gonzaga, Utah, Washington and Washington State.

Arizona State doesn’t lack for experience on the perimeter, with the majority of the players on this upcoming season’s roster having eligibility remaining beyond 2015-16. Small forward Savon Goodman will be a junior, as will junior college additions Torian Graham and Andre Spight, and three players (led by Tra Holder) entering their sophomore season.

Arizona State also has former Buffalo guard Shannon Evans on the perimeter, who will have two years of eligibility remaining after sitting out the 2015-16 season.