Spotlight on the Court
ASU vs. NAU
This Tuesday, the Arizona State Sun Devils (4-1) take on the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (2-3) at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, tip-off at 7:00 p.m. MST. The Sun Devils come in as the favorite, but NAU has enough talent to make the game exciting and for photographers like me, there’s a lot to capture.
What’s at Stake
Arizona State has been solid early this season, especially at home, and they’re looking to build momentum and keep the energy high in front of their fans. NAU comes in as the underdog, hoping to make a statement on the road. Historically, ASU has the upper hand, but with a few key shooters and playmakers, the Lumberjacks could keep the game close and that makes for some great action to capture on camera.
Key Players to Watch
For ASU:
• Moe Odum — The main playmaker, averaging 19 points and 6 assists per game. He’s the guy making the big plays, hitting clutch shots, and creating opportunities for the team. Definitely a player to focus on if you want action shots and highlight moments.
• Massamba Diop — ASU’s rim protector with 1.4 blocks per game. Diop is all about the boards and paint defense, perfect for dramatic photos under the basket.
• K.J. Simpson — Brings energy and spark to the team, a player whose hustle and momentum can make shots and defensive plays look amazing in action photography.
For NAU:
• Zack Davidson — NAU’s leading scorer, averaging 18 points and 6-7 rebounds per game. He’s a strong inside presence and a go-to for clutch plays.
• Isaiah Shaw — A sharpshooter who can light it up from deep, recently scored 20 points against Embry-Riddle. Look for him on long-range attempts.
• Traivar Jackson — Another scorer, putting up 16 points in the same game, Adds balance and depth to the team, which makes for great variety in photos ,not just one star.
What to Watch
• Fast Breaks & Transition Plays — NAU will try to push tempo. Quick passes, fast breaks, and transition buckets are always exciting to photograph.
• Clutch Moments Keep an eye on Odum, he’s often the player taking the big shots in tight moments.
• Interior Battles Diop and Davidson going at it in the paint can produce some intense, frame-worthy moments.
• Hustle & Bench Energy Players diving for loose balls or making hustle plays create action shots that stand out.
• Crowd & Atmosphere — Home games like this are full of energy, and capturing that atmosphere makes any sports story more compelling.
Bottom Line
Arizona State (4-1) is expected to control the game, but if NAU (2-3) comes out aggressive and hits a few shots early, it could be a closer game than many expect.
Either way, it’s a perfect opportunity to capture high-energy moments, big plays, and the intensity of college basketball.
