Nate Garcia Joins Sun Devils
Nate Garcia, a 6‑foot‑7 forward who transferred from Cal Baptist to Arizona State University, arrived on campus with a reputation built on high school dominance and a surprisingly efficient freshman season.
During his lone year with the Eagles, Garcia logged 2.4 points and 1.1 rebounds in just 6.1 minutes per game, yet he shot 84 percent from the free‑throw line and 53 percent from the field, numbers that hint at a high‑percentage scorer capable of stretching the floor.
His high school career at Damien was marked by record‑breaking performances, including a 48‑point outing that still stands as the school’s single‑game scoring mark, and he leaves as the program’s all‑time leader in both points and rebounds.
A Coach Who Knows the Game
Coach Rick Croy, who spent three seasons at Cal Baptist before joining ASU as associate head coach, has voiced confidence that Garcia’s size, work ethic and shooting touch will immediately strengthen the frontcourt, giving the team a versatile option in the paint.
The move coincides with the Sun Devils’ recent run to the 2026 NCAA Tournament as a No. 13 seed, a campaign that culminated in a WAC Tournament championship and has set expectations for a deeper March run.
Beyond the statistics, Garcia’s arrival is being framed as a cultural addition, a player who brings a relentless work ethic and a hunger to prove himself at a higher level of competition.
Fans and analysts alike are already speculating about how his shooting percentages will translate against Big 12 opponents, and how his presence might affect the team’s defensive schemes.