Arizona State head basketball coach Randy Bennett’s early levels in his new position weren’t what he drew up.
As he told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo on Wednesday, “it got off to a funny start.”
But after getting checked out by the Mayo Clinic and suspending his introductory press convention, he’s “feeling great.” As lengthy as that’s the case, retirement isn’t on the mind.
“I can’t answer that question. As long as I’m healthy and I’m excited,” Bennett stated throughout his first exterior media interview when requested how for much longer he wished to educate.
“The Mayo Clinic people have done a fantastic job. I’m not sure where I’d be without them,” he added.
Now, it’s about getting absolutely again to the job of his goals and making ready for the challenge the Big 12 presents, two main elements in Bennett’s determination to go away Saint Mary’s.
“I was always happy there. When (outside interest) would come up, I’d go back to ‘Don’t run from happiness,’” he stated. “There was by no means a state of affairs the place I believed we might win greater than at Saint Mary’s and by no means a spot that I believed I might be happier. … The dream job for me was Arizona State. I believed I might get again right here and it simply by no means occurred. And it took place this 12 months.
“I think ASU is a good basketball job and I’ve always thought that. But now you’re in the Big 12, that’s like the number one or two basketball conference in the country. Bottom line, I wanted to be part of that challenge and my assistant coach staff wanted the same thing. Now we got to get players who want that challenge, too. You’re playing in the real fight. Not that it wasn’t where I was at, but the landscape of college basketball has really changed. And I want to be in the top tier.”
While his arrival had its medical hang-up, Bennett and his teaching workers have gotten to work filling out the roster.
They did so in an enormous manner via the switch portal, with former Saint Mary’s ahead Paulius Murauskas following Bennett over to ASU. He was the ninth-ranked participant within the portal this offseason. Dillan Shaw additionally made the transfer from Saint Mary’s to ASU.
Then got here Wednesday, when ASU landed the dedication of Australian energy ahead Ajak Nyuon. He joins four-star guard JRob Croy, who flipped his dedication from Saint Mary’s, as a part of the 2026 class.
“We have 12 guys committed right now and I feel really good about them,” Bennett stated. “I really feel like they’re right here for the identical motive our teaching workers is. We need the challenge, we need to play in opposition to the most effective and I believe that’s the place they’re at. There’s cash concerned in these items now, however I really feel like these guys are coming in for the fitting motive.
“They’re coming to be part of something bigger than themselves and try and win a championship in the Big 12, which will be very challenging to do.”
