"Randy Bennett hired as Sun Devil Men’s Basketball Head Coach"
The deal is done.
So why? Not being an official Bennett family member (as much as I have shed tears over this glaring error at Ancestry.com), one can only speculate. Possibly he believes his only chance of competing for a national championship comes with moving to Tempe.
That makes sense.
Randy Bennett can certainly recruit internationally, especially for the top Aussie prospects. What will need to change with the casting of his recruiting net is getting Arizona State in contention for national prospects and top level Cali and other West Coast kids and, sooner-rather-than-later, the landing of such. Greater athletic ability than what is currently witnessed on the Gael roster will be a requirement.
UA owns most of the state in college sports. I do know that Arizona basketball (and its fans) scoff at any actual Tucson-Tempe hoops tivalry. Arizona's annual basketball goal is competing for the national title (at least that is the pre-season hopes and likely prayers) while Arizona State isn't even currently conference competitive.
Plus do remember that Arizona State currently resides in the Big 12 Conference alongside Arizona, Baylor, BYU, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Texas Tech—all current national basketball competitors. Plus, members Cincinnati and Kansas State are bringing in new basketball head coaches at salaries that will bring much higher conference and national expectations.
As for Bennett's new contract: "Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro adds it’s a five-year deal with a first year north of $3 million and that Bennett was ASU’s top choice after 20 candidates were whittled down to three finalists. The buyout for Bennett at Saint Mary’s was less than $200,000."
As for Bennett's replacement: "Saint Mary’s has already tabbed associate head coach Mickey McConnell to replace Bennett," according to ESPN’s Jeff Borzello.
Tempe will soon be witnessing a great basketball coach.