Arizona State Expected to Make Addition to Bennett's Staff

Arizona State is making a new addition to their coaching staff.

Mar 18, 2026; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Saint Mary's Gaels head coach Randy Bennett gives an interview prior to a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images | William Purnell-Imagn Images

TEMPE -- Randy Bennett is still less than two weeks into his tenure as Arizona State's men's basketball head coach, yet he continues to make major strides in the face of health challenges that he has faced since being hired.

Bennett announced the hiring of former Cal Baptist head coach Rick Croy and St. Mary's assistant Joe Rahon as assistants to his first staff in Tempe to aid in the culture-building early in his tenure - this trend continued on Friday morning with another crucial staff hire.

Jan 31, 2026; Spokane, Washington, USA; Saint Mary's Gaels head coach Randy Bennett reacts after a play against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images | James Snook-Imagn Images

ESPN's Jeff Borzello reported that former division one head coach and Bennett assistant David Patrick is expected to depart from LSU's coaching staff and reunite with his former boss in Tempe.

"David Patrick is expected to join Randy Bennett's Arizona State staff as associate head coach, sources told ESPN. The two coached together at Saint Mary's from 2006-10. Patrick, a proven overseas recruiter, has head coach experience at UC Riverside and Sacramento State."

Nov 7, 2009; Tempe, AZ, USA; General view of the exterior of the Wells Fargo Arena on the campus of Arizona State. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Arizona State on SI discusses the potential fallout from the move below.

Major Implications From Hire

The hiring of Patrick reinforces the notion that Bennett is putting an emphasis on generally targeting three major areas for his staff - prior head coaching experience, a prior personal connection with him, and the ability to evaluate talent from around the globe.

Patrick checks all three boxes - he served as an assistant to Bennett in Moraga from 2006-2010 - including in leading the surge of bringing on talent from Australia (namely Patty Mills), while also serving as the head coach of two different programs.

ASU Sun Devils center Massamba Diop (35) dunks the ball against the Kansas Jayhawks at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe on March 3, 2026. | Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Patrick's hiring points to Arizona State's operations under Bennett being headed by an experienced, battle-tested core that will be able to build continuity in a finite period of time - also one that will have a pronounced chance to retain coveted players, including center Massamba Diop.

The fallout has potential to extend to the current coaching staff as well. Ty Larson has already departed to take over a JUCO program, while the futures of Nick Irvin and Ty Amundsen are in-the-air. There would be reasons to retain both coaches - tactically and recruiting wise - although nothing seems to be guaranteed. New NCAA rules have made it more favorable to expand a coaching staff, so the ability to retain both is within reach.

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

Former point guard Derek Glasser remains an intriguing option to bring on to the staff as well - both due to the intriguing ability to coach point guards and his connection to James Harden - who he remains close with to this day.