ASU Men's Basketball Announces New Coaching Staff

Head Coach Randy Bennett recovers from health issue, adds veteran assistants Rick Croy and Joe Rahon

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:34pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in navy blue, maroon, and gold, representing the dynamic energy and strategic planning of a basketball team.The new ASU men's basketball coaching staff brings a wealth of experience and energy as they look to lead the Sun Devils back to the NCAA Tournament.Tempe Today

Arizona State University's newly hired men's basketball head coach Randy Bennett recently experienced a health situation upon arriving in Tempe, but is now recovering and has announced the addition of two veteran assistant coaches, Rick Croy and Joe Rahon, to his staff.

Why it matters

The ASU men's basketball program is undergoing a significant transition with a new head coach and staff. Bennett's health scare and the additions of Croy and Rahon, who both have deep ties to Bennett, will be crucial in setting the tone and direction for the Sun Devils as they look to build on recent success and return to the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Bennett, who was hired as ASU's new head coach on March 24, felt unwell the following day and had to postpone his introductory press conference. In a statement, Bennett said he is 'in good hands' and will 'be back at full strength very soon.' The university also announced the hiring of Rick Croy and Joe Rahon as associate head coaches. Croy is the winningest coach in Cal Baptist history, while Rahon has served as an assistant under Bennett at Saint Mary's for the past five seasons.

  • On March 24, Randy Bennett was hired as the new ASU men's basketball head coach.
  • On March 25, Bennett felt unwell and had to postpone his introductory press conference.
  • On March 30, ASU announced the additions of Rick Croy and Joe Rahon as associate head coaches.

The players

Randy Bennett

The new head coach of the ASU men's basketball team, who is recovering from a recent health issue.

Rick Croy

An associate head coach hire, who previously served as the head coach at Cal Baptist University and was an assistant under Bennett at Saint Mary's.

Joe Rahon

An associate head coach hire, who has served as an assistant and associate head coach under Bennett at Saint Mary's for the past five seasons and also played for Bennett at Saint Mary's.

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What they’re saying

“Last week, when I arrived in Arizona, a health situation surfaced that I'm working through right now. 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.”

— Randy Bennett, Head Coach, ASU Men's Basketball

“What I want people to know is that nothing about our momentum has changed. We are moving forward, and I am excited to announce two of our associate head coaches, a duo I have a ton of trust in and who truly want to be at ASU. They both bring great experience, strong relationships, and real energy as our program continues to grow. I am very confident in where we are going and how this initial group of coaches is coming together.”

— Randy Bennett, Head Coach, ASU Men's Basketball

What’s next

The rest of Bennett's coaching staff is expected to be announced at a later date.

The takeaway

The additions of experienced assistants Rick Croy and Joe Rahon, who have deep ties to head coach Randy Bennett, signal a renewed commitment to building a strong foundation for the ASU men's basketball program as it looks to return to the NCAA Tournament.