Rossini Provides Critical Update on ASU's Randy Bennett

The Sun Devils' leader is gearing up to field a competitive team for the upcoming season.

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 -- The beginning of the Randy Bennett era for the Arizona State Sun Devils men's basketball program hasn't exactly gone according to plan, but things are finally coming together after nearly four weeks.

ASU athletic director Graham Rossini spoke to the media on Friday evening to discuss Bennett's status, as well as some potentially exciting developments - read more on takes surrounding these disclosures below.

Mar 16, 2023; Albany, NY, USA; St. Mary's Gaels head coach Randy Bennett speaks to the press during first round practice at MVP Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

Rossini Reveals Bennett Back in Office

Rossini revealed that Bennett has been back in his office at Weatherup Center for over a week at this point and wouldn't go so far as to label the first month of the new era a rough start.

"I wouldn't call it a tough start, a rough start," Rossini said. "It's an unusual start. You know, when you can't hit the ground running, maybe the way that you design a coaching transition. Good news is he's been back in the office for about a week and a half, hard at work on finalizing his staff. We got a really exciting coaching staff that's come together."

Arizona State athletic director Graham Rossini talks with the media during the Arizona State Fan Fest at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on April 17, 2026. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Bennett's pursuit of building an exceptional staff has paid off, as former Division I head coaches Rick Croy and David Patrick are now on staff, while Joe Rahon followed Bennett from St. Mary's to Tempe.

Croy's presence on staff arguably played a major role in his son, JRob, committing to ASU after previously pledging to Saint Mary's. This is a staff with real program-building experience, a defined track record as player developers, and a general alignment with Bennett's goals/views on roster building.

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

Coaching Staff Continuing To Take Shape

The early successes in building out the coaching staff seem to be a trend, as Rossini revealed that materializing hires will continue to excite the Sun Devil fanbase.

"There's two additions that were close on to the coaching staff that would be very, very exciting, one coach and one kind of off the court personnel that we're really excited to get on a campus hopefully next week."

March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Saint Mary's Gaels guard Joe Rahon (25) reacts during the69-60 loss against the Arizona Wildcats in the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Is there a possibility that former ASU point guard Derek Glasser is joining the staff? It remains to be seen, but that would be an addition; enthusiasm for it only lends more credence to enthusiasm for the 2026-27 campaign.

Work on Building Roster Breeding Optimism

It's no secret that Bennett is enthused to be reintegrated into the Valley and to meet fans, but roster-building is taking precedence for the time being - according directly to the source in Rossini.

Feb 22, 2025; Spokane, Washington, USA; St. Mary's Gaels head coach Randy Bennett celebrates after a game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images | James Snook-Imagn Images

"I know Coach Bennett is so fired up to be at ASU, it's really cool to see his enthusiasm for the opportunity, to see his excitement about joining Sun Devil Nation... First order of business is getting this team put together, and they're hard at work. And I know a few players have been announced. There's a few more that we've got... very, very excited with the early work that this group is putting in, and can't wait to talk about that some more."

Arizona State is still firmly in the process of acquiring former Saint Mary's forward Paulius Murauskas, and is having former Portland point guard Joel Foxwell in for a visit on Saturday. Adding both Murauskas and Foxwell would go a long way towards making a statement that the 2026-27 Sun Devils will be ready to compete in the thick of a Big 12 that will continue to be a daily gauntlet.

Mar 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Saint Mary's (CA) Gaels forward Paulius Murauskas (23) faces off against Texas A&M Aggies forward Zach Clemence (7) during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Arizona State has new life under Bennett, and the roster-building is already lending credence to the Sun Devils being a consistent competitor for years to come.