New Arizona State men’s basketball coach Randy Bennett slowed by ‘health situation’

TEMPE, Ariz. — Since taking the Arizona State men’s basketball head coaching position, Randy Bennett has had health problems that have slowed his start at the Big 12 school.

“Last week, when I arrived in Arizona, a health situation surfaced that I’m working through right now,” Bennett said Monday in a statement released by the school. “I’m in good hands, we feel good about the plan, and I’m incredibly appreciative of the care I’ve received from the team at Mayo Clinic. Everything is under control, and I will be back at full strength very soon.”

After spending the previous 25 years at Saint Mary’s, where he turned the once-struggling West Coast Conference program into a mid-major power, Bennett’s hire was viewed as a homecoming of sorts. The 63-year-old grew up in Mesa, Ariz., where his father was a successful high school and junior-college coach.

ASU coach Randy Bennett issued a statement on his health: pic.twitter.com/MKImTAHfNo

— Doug Haller (@DougHaller) March 30, 2026

Bennett’s introductory news conference last week was postponed. At the time, ASU athletics director Graham Rossini said Bennett was “feeling under the weather, dealing with an illness.” Throughout his career, Bennett has been known for the energy he brings to running a program. Former assistants have said it’s difficult to outwork him.

Arizona State on Monday also announced the hires of California Baptist head coach Rick Croy and Saint Mary’s assistant Joe Rahon as associate head coaches.

“What I want people to know is that nothing about our momentum has changed,” Bennett said. “We are moving forward, and I am excited to announce two of our associate head coaches. … I am very confident in where we are going and how this initial group of coaches is coming together. I look forward to meeting everyone who is ready to make Sun Devil Basketball great very soon.”