Arizona State Names Local Legend Randy Bennett as New Coach

0:00On March 23, Arizona State University has named Randy Bennett as the new head coach for its men's basketball team. Athletics director Graham Rossini made the announcement highlighting Bennett's impressive track record after 25 seasons leading St. Mary's College. There, he racked up a school record 589 wins, earned seven West Coast Conference Coach of the Year awards, and guided the team to 20 postseason appearances, including 13 in the NCAA Tournament. Bennett turned St. Mary's into a consistent powerhouse with an 18-year streak of postseason bursts that ranks among the nation's best. His team's dominated at home, posting a strong 8-on-8-4 winning percentage over the last 13 years at University Credit Union, Pavilion. In recent years, he's adapted well to changes in college hoops, going 135 and 36 over the past five seasons while sharing four straight conference titles. Fans and officials are buzzing about Bennett's local roots. He grew up in Mesa, attended Westwood High School, and won two junior college championships, playing for his father at Mesa Community College.

1:09Rossini praised his recruiting prowess on the West Coast and talent for developing international players, calling him one of the most respected. Coach is in the game. Bennett's success includes deed conference tournament runs with 14 final appearances and four titles at St. Mary's. He's mentored 51 all conference players, including standouts like Patty Mills and Jacques Landau, who went on to pro careers. With nearly 40 years of division one experience as a coach and player, he's ready to tackle the Big 12 conference. Now settled in Tempe with his wife Darlene and son's Kate and Chase. Bennett is energized to elevate Sun Devil Basketball in this competitive era.