Arizona State Hires Cal Baptist Coach as Associate Head Coach

Rick Croy joins Randy Bennett's staff in Tempe after leading Cal Baptist program.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:54pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented action of a college basketball game, with sharp planes of maroon, orange, and navy blue representing the dynamic energy of the sport.The addition of an experienced Division I head coach to Arizona State's staff signals a new era of ambition for the Sun Devils' men's basketball program.Tempe Today

Arizona State University has hired Rick Croy, the former head coach of the Cal Baptist Lancers, to serve as the associate head coach under new Sun Devils head coach Randy Bennett.

Why it matters

The addition of Croy, an experienced and successful Division I head coach, is seen as a major coup for Bennett as he looks to rebuild the Sun Devils program and return it to national prominence in men's college basketball.

The details

Croy spent the past seven seasons as the head coach at Cal Baptist, leading the Lancers to a 124-65 record and two NCAA Division I Tournament appearances. He will now join Bennett's staff at Arizona State, where he will help oversee all aspects of the program as the associate head coach.

  • Croy was hired by Arizona State on March 30, 2026.

The players

Rick Croy

The former head coach of the Cal Baptist Lancers, who has been hired as the associate head coach at Arizona State University.

Randy Bennett

The new head coach of the Arizona State Sun Devils men's basketball team.

Cal Baptist Lancers

The Division I men's basketball program that Croy led as head coach for the past seven seasons.

Arizona State Sun Devils

The Division I men's basketball program at Arizona State University that Croy will now join as associate head coach under Randy Bennett.

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What they’re saying

“Rick Croy is one of the top young coaches in the country, and I’m thrilled to have him join our staff. His experience as a successful Division I head coach will be invaluable as we work to rebuild this program.”

— Randy Bennett, Head Coach, Arizona State Sun Devils

What’s next

Croy will begin his new role at Arizona State immediately, working alongside Bennett to assemble the rest of the coaching staff and prepare for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The hiring of Rick Croy as associate head coach represents a major coup for Arizona State as they look to revitalize their men's basketball program under new leadership. Croy's track record of success at the Division I level should provide a significant boost to the Sun Devils as they aim to return to the NCAA Tournament.