News Summary
Arizona State University announces the induction of the legendary 1975 Sun Devil football team and basketball star Jeff Ayres into its Hall of Fame. The 1975 team, coached by Frank Kush, boasts a perfect 12-0 record, securing a national championship. Ayres is noted for his significant contributions to ASU basketball, ranking sixth on the all-time scoring list. The full list of inductees will be revealed in Fall 2024, with celebrations planned leading up to the football game against Texas Tech in 2025.
Tempe, Arizona – The Arizona State University (ASU) Hall of Fame will welcome the legendary 1975 Sun Devil football team and basketball star Jeff Ayres in its 2025 class. The announcement highlights the iconic achievements of the team and the outstanding contributions of Ayres to ASU athletics.
The complete list of inductees for the Hall of Fame will be disclosed in the fall of 2024. Those honored will be celebrated in various events leading up to the Sun Devil football game against Texas Tech on October 18, 2025.
The 1975 Sun Devil team, coached by Frank Kush, finished the season with an impressive 12-0 record, claiming the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) title. This remarkable achievement not only marked the team’s perfect season but also secured a No. 2 national ranking, now recognized as the highest in ASU history. This team dominated their opponents, outscoring them by an astounding 347-127 over the course of the season and maintaining a flawless conference record of 7-0.
Among the pivotal victories of the season were wins over Utah, Wyoming, and their long-standing rival, Arizona. In a notable moment, John Jefferson made a significant touchdown catch against Arizona that played a crucial role in preserving the team’s undefeated status. The season culminated in a thrilling 17-14 win over Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl, where the team earned the title of national champions, as recognized by the Sporting News and the National Championship Foundation.
The 1975 team featured standout players that contributed significantly to their success. John Jefferson recorded 8 receptions for 115 yards in the Fiesta Bowl, while running back “Fast Freddie” Williams amassed 1,316 rushing yards. Defensive standout Mike Haynes was known for his exceptional coverage skills as a shutdown corner throughout the season.
Turning to basketball, Jeff Ayres, formerly known as Pendergraph, left a lasting legacy at ASU during his collegiate career from 2005 to 2009. He participated in 126 games, starting in 120, and scored 1,588 points, placing him sixth on ASU’s all-time scoring list. Throughout his tenure, Ayres maintained averages of 12.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, distinguishing himself by leading the nation in field goal percentage during his senior year with a remarkable 66% success rate.
Ayres’ impact extended beyond individual statistics; he is recognized as the only ASU player to lead the team in rebounding for four consecutive seasons. His contributions helped propel the Sun Devils to an impressive 25 wins during the 2008-09 season, marking the program’s return to postseason play for the first time in 14 years.
After concluding his college career, Ayres was selected 31st overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings. He subsequently enjoyed a successful professional career both in the NBA and overseas. His accomplishments have left a notable mark on the ASU basketball program and earned respect among alumni and fans alike.
Further reflecting on his collegiate experience, Ayres emphasized the importance of his time at ASU and the impact of Coach Herb Sendek on his professional success. He has also shared concerns regarding current NCAA dynamics, particularly focusing on the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, which he believes currently lack accountability.
The induction of the 1975 Sun Devil football team along with Jeff Ayres into the ASU Hall of Fame underscores the rich athletic history and continued tradition of excellence at Arizona State University.
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Additional Resources
- ASU Hall of Fame Official Site
- Burn City Sports: Eric Allen
- AZ Central: Jeff Ayres Induction
- Rivals: Next in ASU Hall of Fame
- SI: Jeff Ayres and ASU Basketball
- Wikipedia: Arizona State University
- Google Search: Arizona State University Hall of Fame
- Google Scholar: ASU Athletics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arizona State University
- Google News: ASU Hall of Fame
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