MCC ALUMNI RANDY BENNETT NAMED ASU HEAD MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH

Arizona State University has named former Mesa Community College standout Randy Bennett as its new head men's basketball coach, bringing one of the most accomplished and consistent leaders in college basketball back to Arizona.

Bennett's connection to Mesa runs deep. He played for his father, legendary coach Tom Bennett, from 1980–82. During that span, the Thunderbirds went 56-10, captured back-to-back ACCAC titles, and finished the 1980-81 season ranked No. 10 nationally. His time at MCC helped shape a career that would span more than four decades in college basketball.

Following his playing career, Bennett began coaching at the University of San Diego as an assistant. He later spent two seasons at the University of Idaho before returning to USD. He also served as the top assistant at Saint Louis University, continuing to build a strong reputation within the coaching ranks.

Bennett was hired as the 27th head coach at Saint Mary's in 2001, where he spent 25 seasons transforming the Gaels into a nationally respected program. During his tenure, Bennett compiled a 589-288 overall record, led Saint Mary's to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, and guided the program to 18 consecutive postseason appearances overall.

His teams consistently competed at a high level within the West Coast Conference, and Bennett was recognized seven times as WCC Coach of the Year. He also became the program's all-time winningest head coach in 2007, surpassing James Weaver with his 111th career victory—a total he would go on to build into one of the most successful coaching resumes in program history.

For Mesa Community College, Bennett's hiring serves as another example of the program's lasting impact, as a former Thunderbird continues to lead at the highest level of collegiate basketball.