Randy Bennett has returned to Arizona to take the helm of Sun Devil Men’s Basketball after a lengthy coaching career at Saint Mary’s College of California. Bennett, who was named head coach in March 2026, brings 25 years of experience from his previous role, where he led the Gaels to numerous NCAA Tournament appearances.
Return to Roots
Having spent 45 years in California, Bennett expressed excitement about returning to his home state of Arizona. Growing up in Mesa, he always envisioned a return to ASU. In a recent episode of ASU All Access with FOX 10, Bennett shared his thoughts on this new chapter, stating, “It’s been a blur. It’s going so fast.” He highlighted the challenges of organizing the program and building a new team within a short timeframe.
Building the Team
Bennett is focused on recruiting players of strong character as he seeks to rebuild the Sun Devil program. In about a month, he and his staff worked to bring in 12 new players.
To assist in this effort, Bennett is relying on the experience of his Associate Head Coaches, David Patrick and Rick Croy, both of whom have previously served as Division 1 head coaches. Bennett stated, “I lean on them a lot,” emphasizing the collaborative approach within his coaching staff.
Community Support
As the team prepares for the upcoming 2026–27 season, Bennett underscored the importance of community support in fostering a competitive program.
Bennett acknowledged that the team’s performance will play a crucial role in earning that support. “Win or lose, we have to just keep getting better every day,” he said, expressing optimism about the team’s potential this season.
Source: Arizona State University
