TEMPE — On March 23, Arizona State announced the hire of Randy Bennett as its next men’s head basketball coach. With a health scare that hospitalized him for 10 days, he’s experienced a few speed bumps since taking over as the head man in Tempe.
However, after nearly a month and a half, the Sun Devils finally had the opportunity to host Bennett’s introductory press conference.
The hiring of Bennett marks a new era for Sun Devil Men’s basketball, which is looking to establish its footing in a competitive Big 12 conference.
One of the meaningful elements of Bennett’s hire is his personal connection to Arizona. Bennett grew up in Mesa, and that background played a real role in his decision to return to the state. While Bennett built his coaching career during a long and successful tenure at Saint Mary’s, he made it clear that Arizona State carried a different kind of weight.
“I felt the power of this institution,” Bennett said. “How much it’s grown is just unbelievable. It’s just really impressive.”
That connection helped present the opportunity as more than just a career move. Bennett described Arizona State as a program with growing resources and a school with rising national presence, but also one rooted in a place he understands personally.
“This place has some juice,” Bennett said, noting the popularity of the university across the valley and the pride associated with it.
Athletic director Graham Rossini said Bennett stood out immediately because of his adaptability and consistency.
“Coach Bennett was always the top name on the list,” Rossini said. “Arguably, his best five years were the last five years.”
Bennett’s resume reflects that evaluation, as Saint Mary’s had 26 or more wins over the past five years. Overall, Bennett accumulated 589 wins and 12 NCAA tournament appearances over the course of 25 years. That long-term success was a major factor in Arizona State’s decision to target him.
But Bennett has also been clear that success in today’s game requires adaptation.
“You have to have some money in the system, but it’s not all about money,” Bennett said. “It’s about getting guys who want to win and be part of something bigger than themselves,” Bennett said, adding that retention is central to his philosophy, emphasizing that sustained programs are built by keeping groups together rather than constantly rebuilding.
That approach has already shaped early roster conversations in Tempe. Bennett stressed that alignment between players and culture matters more than pure talent.
“You’ve got to get them on the right terms,” Bennett said. “Be part of something bigger than yourself.”
Even with the early interruption, Bennett and his staff have moved quickly in the portal to lay the foundation for a program rooted in development and competitiveness.
“We’ve gotten a lot done in five weeks,” Bennett said of the early transition period. “But now it’s about laying the foundation the right way.”
Senior guard Bryce Ford is one of two remaining players from Arizona State’s roster last year. He said Bennett’s presence immediately changed his outlook on the program.
“His vision for me on how he could get me to the next level stood out,” Ford said. “There was no choice for me but to stay.”
Assistant coach David Patrick said Bennett never truly stepped away from the program despite health issues.
“Whether he was in the hospital or at home, he was on the phone,” Patrick said, noting that Bennett’s leadership remained central to recruiting and roster planning despite the setback.
Patrick also emphasized that Bennett’s vision of the roster helped stabilize a chaotic portal window.
“When you’ve worked for someone before, you know how things are supposed to be done,” Patrick said. “We knew what we were doing and getting into.”
Assistant coach Rick Croy echoed that sentiment, describing a staff unified around Bennett’s identity.
“We’re all aligned,” Croy said. “There’s no ego involved, and we’re all pulling the same way.”
Croy also added that recruiting under Bennett starts with character.
“Are they winners? Are they workers? Do they want to do it with other people?” Croy said.
For Ford, that identity is already visible in how the program is being reshaped.
“I just can’t wait to see the city back to being happy with men’s basketball,” Ford said. “I’m looking forward to a lot of people rallying behind us.”
As for Bennett, that philosophy reflects a career built on structure, development and long-term trust. But returning to the Valley adds another layer, as Bennett returns to a place he once called home.
“This is a place where you can compete for championships,” Bennett said. “And when you walk on this campus, you feel it immediately.”
Leave a Reply