Ty Abbott Class: Sophomore Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz. High School: Desert Vista H.S. Height / Weight: 6-3 / 215 Position: Guard Birthdate: 08/19/1988 Experience: 1V

Sun Devils glad Abbott found his way back home (East Valley Tribune, Dec. 21, 2007)

SUN DEVIL DATA: Talk about a huge pick-up late. Ty signed in the 2007 spring signing period after getting a release from New Mexico (who he signed with in the fall of 2006) when the Lobos changed coaches. Took recruiting visits to Washington and Washington State before deciding on the hometown Sun Devils, and everyone is happy he stayed home. Quietly posted one of the best freshman seasons in the Pac-10, but was overshadowed by four freshman lottery picks and his own teammate among newcomers. Only three freshman posted 30 point games last year, lottery picks O.J. Mayo and Jerryd Bayless and Abbott. Excellent student-athlete. Set school record for freshmen starts (34) and three-pointers made (76), and the 76 three-pointers is fourth-best by a freshman in Pac-10 history. Named "Best Cutter and Screener" by coaching staff at postseason banquet. Shot 43 percent from field in games ASU won and 32 percent in losses.

FRESHMAN THREES: Ty Abbott set the ASU freshman record for three-pointers made, but it also was the fourth-best mark by a freshman in Pac-10 history. Here are the top five:
PAC-10 FRESHMEN THREE POINTERS
1. Tajuan Porter, Oregon, 2006-2007, 110
2. O.J. Mayo, USC 2007-2008, 88
3. Jason Kapono, UCLA, 1999-2000, 82
4. Ty Abbott, ASU, 2007-2008, 76
5. Casey Jacobsen, Stanford, 1999-2000, 74

FRESHMAN SEASON (2007-08): Averaged 34.8 minutes per game in Pac-10 play, second-most in school history by a freshman, just behind classmate James Harden (35.9)...notched Pac-10 Player of the Week honors with 19-point, six-board performance in 77-55 win over No. 17 Xavier on Dec. 17...had 16 games in double digits, including two ridiculous games against Cal with 25 points in 46 minutes on Jan. 17 and 30 points with eight three-pointers on Feb. 16...also had 18 in final game of Pac-10 season at Oregon State which allowed ASU to finish 9-9...team's third-leading scorer at 9.9 points per game...second on team with 39 steals, third on team with 13 blocks and 51 assists.

DESERT VISTA HIGH SCHOOL: Averaged 17.3 points per game in his senior year leading Desert Vista to a 29-2 overall record and a 5A Division I semifinal appearance...averaged 17 points and nine boards in junior season as team was 26-7.

LOCAL CONNECTION: Abbott joined a list of Arizona prep products who have played for ASU recently, including Greenway's Chad Prewitt (1998-2002), Corona del Sol's Donnell Knight (1999-2003), Phoenix North High School's Tommy Smith (1999-2003) and Mesa Mountain View's Kenny Crandall (1998-99, 2001-2004). Crandall earned his B.I.S. in business and communications in 2004 while Prewitt earned his B.I.S. in business and communications in 2002. Both Knight and Smith have both played professionally since leading ASU to the NCAA Tournament in 2003, its first appearance since 1995. Freshman Taylor Rohde (Pinnacle High School) joined the ASU program this year.

ETC.: Born August 19, 1988, in Chicago...mother is Traci Hawkins...younger sibling is Bianca West...plans for a career as a sports agent.

CAREER HIGHS FOR TY ABBOTT
POINTS: 30 vs. California (2/16/08)
FG MADE: 10 vs. California (2/16/08)
FG ATT.: 18 at California (1/17/08)
3-PT MADE: 8 vs. California (2/16/08)
3-PT ATT.: 16 at California (1/17/08)
FT MADE: 6 vs. Illinois (11/19/07)
FT ATT.: 7 vs. Illinois (11/19/07)
REBOUNDS: 9 at California (1/17/08)
ASSISTS: 5 at California (1/17/08)
BLOCKS: 2, three times, vs. USC (3/13/08)
STEALS: 3, four times, vs. UCLA (2/28/08)
MINUTES: 46 at California (1/17/08)

GETTING TO KNOW TY ABBOTT...
The main goal I want to reach this year is...go deep into the NCAA Tournament.
Best clutch shot last year by a Sun Devil...Jamelle's hook shot at Arizona in the second half.
My favorite tattoo is...don't have any.
Top three songs played on Ipod/MP3...Round and Round by Jagged Edge; any Lil' Wayne Songs and Yorkie by Gucci Mane.
The place I get the most studying done...study hall.
The most interesting thing I did this summer was...move into my apartment.
The player who will surprise the most people this year is...Rihards Kuksiks.
The most underrated player on the team is...Eric Boateng.
Before every game, I always...listen to my iPod.
The one thing that bugs me is...being hungry.
Sun Devil I want shooting a free throw to win the game...Derek Glasser.
Toughest loss last year...any of them.
Best win last year... Xavier and Arizona (here and there).
This guy needs to clean his locker...Eric Boateng.
Best advice ever received and from whom...keep working hard (mom).
Teammate who will be a good coach...Jamelle McMillan.
Teammate who could use a better haircut...Jerren Shipp.
Favorite athlete to watch...Michael Jordan.
Favorite restaurant in the Valley...Chipotle.
Best Sun Devil memory...beating Arizona.
I'd like to switch places for a day with...Michael Jordan.
Someone outside of sports I really admire...my mom.
What I like most about Coach Sendek is...he listens.
Funniest teammate...Jerren Shipp.
The toughest adjustment to college basketball is...everyone is good.
The strongest player on the team is...Derek Glasser.
If I had a choice to have pizza and wings with anyone, I would pick...Michael Jordan.
If I could visit anywhere, I would go to...Europe.
The game I am looking forward to the most this year is....all of them.