At Thursday’s, Oct. 16, media availability, ASU women’s basketball coach Molly Miller spoke with confidence about her new team’s identity and the latest additions, while maintaining a clear focus on dominating opponents in every game the Sun Devils play.

Miller had a busy offseason, as she brought in nine players via the transfer portal. She believes these new faces in the Valley could spark a contender in the Big 12 conference.

“They all really come in and compete because they have something to prove,” Miller said. “The competition level is high because there are no predetermined expectations.”

One of the premier transfers is junior forward McKinna Brackens, who came to Tempe from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. The 6-foot-1 wing brings both experience and high-level defense to Miller’s squad.

Brackens totaled 333 points, 195 rebounds and 48 assists last season with the UNLV Rebels. She also added 12 blocks, good for third on the team, and 27 steals to make her a lethal all-around weapon.

“I think she’s [Brackens] going to be a rising star in the league,” Miller said.

Additionally, Miller highlighted her new team’s identity. The first-year Sun Devil coach from Grand Canyon University has won everywhere she has stopped along the way, boasting an .845 win percentage with a total record of 297-55 in collegiate basketball.

Miller stressed the importance of a “winning culture,” something she hopes to build at ASU. Last season, the Sun Devils had the second-worst record in the Big 12, going 10-22 with only three conference wins.

“We’re learning what winning looks like,” Miller said. “Just what winning looks like is going to be a daily progression for us. We’re gonna hit our heads against the wall sometimes and face some obstacles. But, if we have that foundation of winning culture in our daily habits, it’ll carry over.”

The common strength of all of Miller’s teams: powerhouse defense and relentless effort.

Last year, Miller’s GCU team totaled 452 steals and forced 776 turnovers on its opponents. With a new challenge in the Big 12 conference, Miller is confident her team will correlate to her defensive schemes and be a dominant force with their containment.

“We’re not gonna take shortcuts, we’re not gonna take the easy way,” Miller said. “It’s non-judgmental in my approach. This is what the standard looks like, and if we’re not meeting it, we’re going to correct the behavior and move forward.”

To build an identity within the program, Miller has built a strong relationship with her players that goes beyond the basketball court at ASU. Whether it be fun activities at the coaches’ house or “just getting to know each other”, the team has shone throughout training camp through their close bonds with each other.

“My culture has always succeeded based on that connectivity, that closeness and trust,” Miller said. “Off the court stuff is just as important as on the court.”

The Sun Devils start their season in just under 20 days when they take on Coppin State at Desert Financial Arena on Nov. 3.  

For Coach Miller, she couldn’t be more excited to see her players shine on the floor.

“We’ve got a great story to tell with these girls,” Miller said.