Randy Bennett: Mid-Major Maestro to ASU?

0:00On March 16th, Randy Bennett has built St. Mary's into a mid-major powerhouse over the past two decades, and now he's the top candidate to take over. At Arizona State, hired in 2003, he transformed a program with just 16 winning seasons since World War II, into one with 17 straight years of. At least 21 wins. The Gales have made 11 NCAA tournament trips under him and their poise for a twelfth. Despite lacking elite recruits, never landing a five star in their best class ranking, 61st Bennett succeeds by targeting under the radar. Players, especially internationals, he's sent six to the NBA, including champions by Patty Mills and Matthew Delebedova from Australia. Even without a strong NIL collective, until mid-2024, St. Mary's keeps winning at an elite clip. Bennett's teams play a deliberate Princeton style offense, one of the slowest in college hoops, ranking 249th in fast break points. This year, it features constant motion and backdoor cuts for efficient shots, while their defense clamps down on threes and crashes the boards with all five.

1:08Players, these March ready schemes have made them tournament regulars. The Mesa native who grew up playing under his dad at Mesa Community College, Bennett has deep valley ties, recruiting top assistants like Mickey. McConnell from Dobson High, at 64, some question his energy for Arizona State's rebuild, but his track record mirrors Rick Patino's late career move. Arizona State offers more NIL cash in Big 12 revenue, plus a wider tournament path with seven bids yearly. Bennett's model of finding gems could revive the apathetic fan base, especially as the West Coast Conference weakens without Gonzaga, making his next. Step a smart fit if he commits long term.