ASU’s Harden to return for sophomore season

Arizona State freshman guard James Harden said Tuesday he will return for his sophomore season.

Harden named to All-Pac-10 team

Harden, named to the All-Pac-10 first team on Monday, had been projected to be a late first-round pick had he left for the NBA after this season. But Harden said he is enjoying college life and also wants to improve various aspects of his game before going pro.

“I’ll be here,” Harden said. “I’m not ready for the NBA.

“I want my conditioning to meet my talent and I need to work on my right hand. I just want to work on everything.”

Harden said he will talk to his mother, Monja Willis, after his sophomore season and make a decision whether to remain at ASU or head to the NBA.

Harden could stay at ASU for his junior year if the school is able to sign coveted recruit Renardo Sidney out of Artesia (Calif.) High School. Harden attended Artesia along with ASU point guard Derek Glasser and both were coached there by current Sun Devils assistant Scott Pera.

Harden is averaging 17.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.

He has played more Pac-10 minutes (35.9 per game) than any freshman in ASU history.