TEMPE, Arizona – The West Coast Conference was already going to look different next fall with the departure of perennial powerhouse Gonzaga. Now, the league’s other dominant head coach is leaving the conference as well.
Arizona State announced Monday it’s hired Randy Bennett to lead the men’s basketball team.
Bennett spent 25 years a head coach at St. Mary’s.
“It was going to take a special situation for us to leave Saint Mary’s, and I am energized, driven, and focused on taking over Sun Devil Basketball, a program I am very familiar with and grew up watching,” Bennett said in a news release announcing his new job.
Bennett grew up in the Phoenix area.
He replaces Bobby Hurley whose contract was not renewed after 11 seasons.
The moves takes Bennett from the WCC to the Big 12.
“We are in the best basketball conference in the nation and I look forward to the opportunity and am excited to meet everyone who wants to help this program reach our goals in the new landscape,” Bennett said. “My staff and I will be ready for the challenge.”
Bennett led the Gaels to a 27-6 record this season, tied for first in the WCC.
St. Mary’s lost to Texas A&M in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
We are in the best basketball conference in the nation and I look forward to the opportunity and am excited to meet everyone who wants to help this program reach our goals in the new landscape. My staff and I will be ready for the challenge.”
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