Arizona State Faces Uphill Battle to Retain Key Portal Players

Sun Devils coach Randy Bennett must work to keep top talent from entering the transfer portal.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:06pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game, with the players, court, and ball broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant colors, creating a sense of motion and energy.The complex dynamics of the transfer portal leave Arizona State's basketball program facing an uncertain offseason as they work to retain key talent.Tempe Today

The Arizona State Sun Devils basketball program is facing an uncertain offseason as three key players from last season's roster - Massamba Diop, Noah Meeusen, and Santiago Trouet - have entered the transfer portal. Head coach Randy Bennett will need to work hard to try and convince these players to remain in Tempe, with Trouet seen as the most likely to return.

Why it matters

Retaining talented players is crucial for Arizona State as they look to build on last season's performance and compete at a high level in the Pac-12 conference. Losing these three players would be a significant blow and force Bennett to rebuild parts of his roster.

The details

Massamba Diop, a rising star, has entered the portal but could still return to Arizona State if the program is able to compete with other suitors. Noah Meeusen, who worked his way into the starting lineup last season, is also in the portal, potentially gauging his options before deciding whether to stay. Santiago Trouet, who led the team in rebounding, is seen as the most likely to return as his market may not be as robust as the other two players.

  • Diop, Meeusen, and Trouet all entered the transfer portal in April 2026.
  • The 2026-27 season is set to begin in the fall of 2026.

The players

Massamba Diop

A rising star on the Arizona State basketball team who has entered the transfer portal, but could still return to the Sun Devils if the program is able to compete with other suitors for his services.

Noah Meeusen

A Belgian combo guard who worked his way into the starting lineup last season and has also entered the transfer portal, potentially gauging his options before deciding whether to stay at Arizona State.

Santiago Trouet

The Sun Devils' leading rebounder last season, Trouet has also entered the transfer portal, but is seen as the most likely of the three to return to Arizona State as his market may not be as robust as the other two players.

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What’s next

Coach Bennett and the Arizona State coaching staff will need to work quickly to try and convince Diop, Meeusen, and Trouet to remain with the program ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Retaining talented players is crucial for the Arizona State Sun Devils as they look to build on last season's performance and compete at a high level in the Pac-12. Losing these three key players would be a significant setback, forcing coach Bennett to rebuild parts of his roster.