Grading the Randy Bennett hire for Arizona State basketball

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Arizona State basketball and Saint Mary’s moved at a near similar speed Monday. Randy Bennett landed at ASU to replace Bobby Hurley.

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The Gaels, meanwhile, immediately named former player and top assistant Mickey McConnell after the Bennett exit. But we’re zeroing in on the hire made in Tempe, Az.

Bennett takes over a program that not long ago witnessed success out of Hurley featuring three March Madness appearances. Hurley’s last three Sun Devil teams fell below .500, however, which sparked the change.

Bennett added to a fast-moving day involving the college basketball coaching hiring cycle. He lands his gig on the same day another NCAA Tournament coach in Jerrod Calhoun jumped from Utah State to Cincinnati.

Is Bennett the right man for this Sun Devils job? It’s time to weigh in.

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Arizona State lands proven winner in Randy Bennett

Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images

Bennett built a strong resume out in the Eastern part of the Bay Area.

He leaves Moraga, Ca., having taken the Gaels to five straight NCAA Tournament appearances, a first in program history.

Granted, Bennett and the private Catholic university made lots of history together. Bennett delivered the most Field of 68 runs in program history with 12 total. He became 11 victories shy of 600 career wins.

The Gaels even rose as the biggest threat to West Coast Conference superpower Gonzaga. Saint Mary’s and the Bulldogs formed one of the better mid-major rivalries in college basketball. That matchup is now at stake of ending with Gonzaga joining the newly revamped Pac-12 next season.

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Bennett’s philosophy should be a hit for Arizona State

Most non-Power Four programs have trouble finding size. A great majority must rely on guard play and the transition attack to wear down teams. But not Bennett’s squads in Northern California.

He turned to…

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Publish date : 2026-03-24 00:35:00

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