Examining Significance of Arizona State's Hiring of Rick Croy

There's very likely to be more layers to the Sun Devils bringing on the respected head coach than meets the eye.

Mar 19, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; Cal Baptist head coach Rick Croy speaks at a press conference ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

TEMPE -- Arizona State's Randy Bennett officially made his first staff hirings as the men's basketball coach.

The 63-year-old native of Mesa, Ariz., has named former player/assistant under him at St. Mary's in Joe Rahon as a confidant in Tempe, as well as a name that will genuinely intrigue fans of Arizona State in Rick Croy.

Feb 28, 2026; Moraga, California, USA; St. Mary's Gaels head coach Randy Bennett cuts down the net after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs at University Credit Union Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images | Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

The clearest connections that can be made with the hiring of the 13-year leader of Cal Baptist are in the open - Croy served as an assistant to Bennett from 2010-13, and his son, JRob, is set to play at Arizona State beginning in the fall after flipping from the Gaels to the Sun Devils last week.

What fans aren't realizing is that there is very likely much more to the transaction than meets the eye - Arizona State on SI explains why below.

Croy Is Prototypical Bennett Hire

The 48-year old coach making a jump back into the assistant ranks is exactly the type of coach that Bennett gravitates toward - and that isn't a negative in any manner.

Croy is simply a culture-setter, proven winner, and exemplary person by all accounts. He has the ability to connect with players and recruits that few coaches are gifted at in their journey as leaders. His player development program and tactical acumen led Cal Baptist to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in program history just two weeks ago.

Mar 20, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; California Baptist Lancers head coach Rick Croy looks on in the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Now, Croy is taking on a new challenge and could see more long-term upside in Tempe as a result of the leap of faith.

Croy Has Potential To Succeed Bennett

The expectation is that Bennett will at least coach out the duration of his five-year contract, but there will likely be a succession plan in place to replace the legendary leader in the years ahead.

Is Croy the right man for the title of "coach-in-waiting" that is often arbitrary in the world of coaching?

Dec 21, 2021; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arena workers perform tasks after the game between Florida A&M and Arizona State was canceled due to power issues at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

The longtime coach has been working towards this moment for multiple decades - as mentioned above, he is everything that is right about college basketball at a time when chaos has been at the forefront. Croy has the demeanor, ability to rally a fanbase, and talent evaluation process that mimics Bennett in many ways.

It would make a great deal of sense if Croy eventually takes over as head coach of Arizona State basketball, although that time would come down the line.