5 Reasons To Be Excited for ASU's 2026-27 Season

TEMPE -- Over three weeks have passed since the 2025-26 Arizona State men's basketball season reached a conclusion.

The three weeks have seen many developments, including a coaching change. The impending end of the college basketball season as a whole gives a reason to look forward to the next Sun Devil season - Arizona State on SI gives five reasons why excitement should be at a fever-pitch level below.

l;mml — Mar 3, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils forward Santiago Trouet (1) celebrates a shot against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second half at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

New Head Coach in Tempe

Randy Bennett, 63, was named head coach of Arizona State on March 25 and has already excelled in many areas.

The hiring of Rick Croy as an assistant, the lack of any updates from the camp of Massamba Diop, and increased dialogue amongst the fanbase are all encouraging signs from the infant stages of the partnership between the two sides.

Desert Financial Arena Renovations

Desert Financial Arena is slated to be renovated starting in May after 52 years of operating with no updates of any sort.

The first phase is slated to include tasks such as replacing the court and adding padded seating to the lower bowl. Although the first phase is rather basic, it's undeniably exciting that the process is about to begin after years of planning.

Mar 23, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; St. Mary's Gaels head coach Randy Bennett looks on in the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the NCAA Tournament Second Round at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Opportunity To Add Transfer Portal Stars

This is an area in which questions will be answered in short order.

lknmk — Mar 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Saint Mary's (CA) Gaels guard Mikey Lewis (0) controls the ball during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images | William Purnell-Imagn Images

Several former players for Bennett at Saint Mary's (Mikey Lewis, Paulius Murauskas, Dillan Shaw, and Andrew McKeever have announced intentions to enter the portal or already have, which sets the stage for them to follow their coach to Tempe, with many other possibilities on the horizon as well.

Much of the intrigue in the next few weeks will lie in how the roster is constructed.

Arizona State guard Moe Odum (5) passes against Cincinnati during a game at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Ariz., on Jan. 24, 2026. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Year Three in Big 12

The Sun Devils saw a drastic improvement in year two in Big 12 play, going from a 4-14 record to a 7-11 mark, including wins over Kansas and Texas Tech.

Arizona State has a real opportunity to continue making a dent in a Big 12 that has developed a defined hierarchy in recent seasons.

Extended Offseason Building Anticipation

Arizona State's season officially concluded on March 11, leaving just short of eight months between the 91-42 loss to Iowa State and the onset of the next season in early November.

Arizona State guard Moe Odum (5) drives toward the hoop against Cincinnati guard Day Day Thomas (1) during a game at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Ariz., on Jan. 24, 2026. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The wait creates a sense of anticipation and scarcity, which is certainly going to play a role in potentially engaging the fanbase heading into the opener.