Bennett’s ASU Rebuild Could Lead to St. Mary’s Reunion With Star Forward Murauskas

Arizona State’s new head coach Randy Bennett is already shaping the early direction of his roster build, and his long-standing ties to St. Mary’s could play a key role in one of the offseason’s most closely watched transfer decisions. Among the potential targets is standout forward Paulius Murauskas, who previously thrived under Bennett’s system.

Bennett arrives in Tempe after a 25-year tenure at St. Mary’s, where he established one of the most consistent mid-major programs in college basketball. His teams regularly reached the NCAA Tournament and became known for disciplined execution and player development.

Now leading Arizona State, Bennett is expected to lean on familiar relationships and proven fits as he transitions into a Power Five rebuilding project. Early indications suggest that continuity and system familiarity will be central to his recruiting strategy.

That approach has already sparked speculation that former players and system alumni could become priority targets in the transfer portal as he works to quickly stabilize the program.

1. Murauskas Emerges as Key Transfer Target

Paulius Murauskas has quickly become one of the most notable names in the transfer portal following a strong season at St. Mary’s. The 6-foot-8 forward emerged as a high-impact scorer and rebounder, elevating his profile nationally. According to On3 analyst Joe Tipton, Murauskas averaged 18.4 points and 7.6 rebounds, establishing himself as one of the top-performing players available in the portal cycle. His production placed him among the most sought-after forwards in the country. Tipton noted that Arizona State appears to have momentum in the recruitment due in part to Bennett’s arrival, which creates a natural connection between coach and player given their shared history at St. Mary’s. While other programs, including UConn and Duke, have also shown interest, the expectation is that Murauskas will take time with his decision as multiple high-major options evaluate his fit.

2. Bennett’s Track Record and ASU Transition

Bennett’s departure from St. Mary’s marks the end of a 25-year run that featured sustained success and national recognition. His teams became a consistent presence in the NCAA Tournament and built a reputation for efficiency and toughness. His most recent season with the Gaels ended with a 27–6 record and a fifth consecutive 20-win campaign, reinforcing the program’s stability under his leadership. That consistency is part of what Arizona State is hoping to replicate. In contrast, Arizona State has struggled to find similar footing in recent seasons. The Sun Devils finished 17–16 overall and 7–11 in Big 12 play, leading to the departure of former head coach Bobby Hurley after 11 years. The program has reached the NCAA Tournament three times in the past decade, with its most recent appearance in 2023, but has not advanced deep into March Madness since 1995.

3. ASU’s Rebuild and Immediate Expectations

With Bennett now in charge, Arizona State is aiming for a rapid turnaround built around experienced transfers and system-ready players. The early roster strategy suggests an emphasis on familiarity, efficiency, and immediate production. Murauskas fits that profile as a proven scorer within Bennett’s system, making him a logical target as ASU looks to stabilize its frontcourt and increase offensive reliability. The broader roster construction effort will likely continue through the transfer portal, where Bennett’s connections and coaching identity could give Arizona State an advantage in attracting players who fit his style. As the Sun Devils attempt to return to national relevance, the possibility of reuniting Bennett with former St. Mary’s talent highlights how quickly the program’s direction is shifting under new leadership.