Arizona State Star Massamba Diop Enters Transfer Portal

Diop's departure signals broader upheaval in college basketball after coaching changes and tournament disappointments.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:11am

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A fractured, geometric painting in vibrant blues, oranges, and purples, capturing the dynamic energy of a college basketball player in motion, with their figure abstracted into overlapping planes.An abstract, cubist-inspired depiction of a college basketball player's movement, symbolizing the fluidity and fragmentation of the modern transfer portal era.Tempe Today

Massamba Diop, a 7'1" freshman who averaged 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game for Arizona State, has entered the NCAA transfer portal. His exit comes amid a coaching change at ASU, with Bobby Hurley's departure after 11 seasons and the hiring of Randy Bennett from Saint Mary's. Diop's decision highlights the leverage players now hold in shaping their college destinations, as well as the fragility of programs during leadership transitions.

Why it matters

Diop's transfer represents a broader trend in college basketball, where the transfer portal has given players more control over their careers. His departure also signals the challenges facing Arizona State as they transition to a new coach, with Bennett tasked with rebuilding the program's identity and culture after a disappointing 17-16 season.

The details

Diop, a highly touted freshman, had a strong debut season for the Sun Devils, establishing himself as a key contributor. However, his decision to enter the transfer portal comes as Arizona State undergoes a significant shift, with the departure of long-time head coach Bobby Hurley and the hiring of Randy Bennett from Saint Mary's. Bennett's track record of success at the mid-major level has led to speculation that he will look to build the program around a different style of play, focused on defense, efficiency, and a 'gritty underdog' mentality.

  • Massamba Diop entered the NCAA transfer portal on April 12, 2026.
  • Bobby Hurley departed as Arizona State's head coach after 11 seasons.
  • Randy Bennett was hired as the new head coach of Arizona State on March 31, 2026.

The players

Massamba Diop

A 7'1" freshman center who averaged 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game for Arizona State in the 2025-26 season.

Bobby Hurley

The former head coach of Arizona State, who departed the program after 11 seasons.

Randy Bennett

The new head coach of Arizona State, hired from Saint Mary's where he had a successful tenure, including 12 NCAA tournament appearances and a Sweet Sixteen run.

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What’s next

The transfer portal is open until May 1, 2026, and Diop will have until that date to decide on his next destination. Arizona State will continue to build its roster under new head coach Randy Bennett, who will look to establish a new identity and culture for the program.

The takeaway

Massamba Diop's decision to enter the transfer portal highlights the increasing power and agency of college basketball players in shaping their careers. It also underscores the challenges facing programs like Arizona State as they navigate coaching changes and roster turnover, with the goal of building a sustainable, long-term model for success.