Why ASU Must Add Andrew McKeever out of Portal

The Sun Devils have a potential insurance plan in place for a player set to enter the transfer portal.

March 9, 2026; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Saint Mary's Gaels center Andrew McKeever (45) passes the basketball against Santa Clara Broncos center Bukky Oboye (12) during the first half at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

TEMPE -- It has now been over one week since Arizona State athletic director Graham Rossini hired a new head coach for the men's basketball program.

Randy Bennett was hired last Monday as the head coach to lead the program into the future after 25 years in the role at mid-major powerhouse St. Mary's. While a recent health issue has prevented operations from fully taking off the ground, Bennett has hired two assistants (Rick Croy, Joe Rahon) and has seen several options in the transfer portal announce an intention to enter the process.

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

Four former Saint Mary's players have already made the intention to do so clear - forward Paulius Murauskas, guards Mikey Lewis/Dillan Shaw, and center Andrew McKeever.

None of the four players is set to head into the portal with a "do not contact" tag, but the Sun Devils will presumably have at least a fighting chance to land one or more of these high-level players. Follow why Arizona State should ultimately consider adding McKeever in particular below.

Mar 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Josh Holloway (1) dribbles the ball against Saint Mary's (CA) Gaels center Andrew McKeever (45) 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

McKeever Fits Bennett's System

The 7'3" center spent two seasons in Moraga - starting 10 games out of 53 total games played- but he has a real chance to carve out a role in Tempe regardless of how the other roster moves shake out.

The California native brings virtually every skill to the table that Bennett looks for - he is a functional passer out of the post, manages to impact shot paths of players driving to the hoop despite not posting gaudy block numbers, and was one of the best rebounders in all of college basketball in 2025-26.

March 9, 2026; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Saint Mary's Gaels center Andrew McKeever (45) shoots the basketball against the Santa Clara Broncos during the second half at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

McKeever - much akin to Lewis, Murauskas, and others - fits into what Bennett will bring to Tempe. That alone should make him a priority.

Uncertainty Around Center Position

The major holdup in the process is undoubtedly centered around freshman Massamba Diop, who has been radio silent on his intentions for next season.

There's quite obviously a concerted effort to retain his services for next season, with factors such as gathering NIL efforts, having Diop meet with coaches who are now on staff, and the finalized staff being announced all having the ability to be major factors in the ultimate decision.

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

Whether Diop is retained or not, McKeever would be a wise player to kick the tires on - whether as a starting player or for yet another season as a high-impact bench player.