Arizona State adds transfers Jason Tsirtsis and Ali Naser to boost improving program

Jason Tsirtsis (left) and Ali Naser

Arizona State head wrestling coach Zeke Jones announced the addition of two high-profile transfers in 2014 NCAA champion Jason Tsirtsis and Ali Naser, two talented stars that could help accelerate the progress of the rapidly improving Sun Devil program.


“They bring a wealth of experience. They’re going to come in with a good group of redshirted freshmen that was the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation a year ago,” Jones said. “I think Ali and Jason will be able to provide some experience, both good and bad. What I mean by the bad experiences is mistakes that they may have made and learned from. They bring a lot of positive, too. They’ve had some significant wins and success so far in their careers that they can share with the team. They’re at another level at what they’ve accomplished so far.”


Naser, cleared to compete immediately, comes to the Sun Devils from Fresno City Community College, where he wrestled at 133 pounds. Recently, Naser has seen some impressive success on the Senior freestyle level.


“He came from a good California community college that has a very good coach and it has put him in position to be successful,” Jones said. “He’s more of a freestyler than a folkstyler, so I think that will be the main transition for Ali. He’s beaten really great competitors like Coleman Scott, Sam Hazewinkel, Obe Blanc, Nathan Tomasello and a few others. I think what that tells you is that he’s already competed at a very high level. How will that transition into folkstyle and the week in and week out grind? That’s what he’s going to have to work on. Does he have the skill set, toughness and ability? I think he checks off all those boxes off.”


Jones said fans can expect to see Naser compete at either 125 or 133 pounds as early as November.


Tsirtsis, a senior, transfers in from Northwestern University, where he was the 2014 NCAA champion at 149 pounds as a freshman and a 2015 All-American.


“Jason brings a tremendous amount of experience to the team,” Jones said. “He’s well known and a proven commodity. He’s a winner. He understands what it takes, and it’s been a lot of fun to watch him transition into the program over the last several weeks. He’s been great, and the team has really embraced him. As a result, he takes on that leadership role when we call on him. I think any time you can add those types of guys to your room, it brings instant respect because he’s been there, he’s done it and the team can follow that example. The beauty of our team is that we have a lot of depth within our freshman and combined with the experience of Jason and Ali, it’s only going to get better. That’s when you get the right formula, the right mix. Now you just have to stir up the pot and serve it.”


At Northwestern, Tsirtsis was deemed academically ineligible. He is not expected to compete this season for ASU but will seek a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA, according to Jones.


“He went through a series of tragedies last year,” Jones said. “A lot of emotional and challenging things. For him to go through that was difficult. My heart bleeds for him. I know the NCAA will empathize with his situation. He is eligible by NCAA’s standards to compete anywhere else so that’s his appeal to the NCAA. So ideally, the NCAA will say, ‘Hey, we understand you had a really tough year last year so if you can fulfill a year of good academic standing, we’ll give you a sixth year.’ He’s going to have to do that. We’re not appealing for this year. We’re appealing for next year.”


Tsirtsis is a talented freestyler, competing in the 2013 Junior World Championships and earning top-five finishes at the 2014 and 2015 University Nationals.


In addition to Tsirtsis and Naser, ASU has many things to look forward to as several members of the No. 1 recruiting class of 2015 will make their varsity debuts after taking a redshirt year. Included in this group are Junior World Team members Zahid and Anthony Valencia.


“I think fans are going to see a tremendously talented group, regardless of age. The expectations from the public are high,” Jones said. “In the end, it’s really about what the wrestlers expect from themselves and each other as teammates. I would say that for the freshman, there might be some bumps and bruises on the way, but them gelling together and realizing that they can be a very good team is something I think they’re excited about. The path to the top of the mountain has a lot of twists and turns. How they handle those twists and turns will equally be as big of a factor as they’re ability to be great. I’m excited to watch this group, get them ready for battle and get on the mat. We could see some good things from the Sun Devils.”