Randy Bennett Brings Gaels to ASU: Transfer Portal Watch

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  Health and Fitness on Mon, Mar 23rd, 2026 by AZ Central
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Tempe, Arizona - March 24th, 2026 - The reverberations of Randy Bennett's surprising move from Saint Mary's to Arizona State University continue to be felt across the college basketball landscape. While the hiring itself sent shockwaves, the immediate question on the minds of Sun Devil fans isn't just what Bennett will bring to Tempe, but who he'll bring with him. Bennett, known for building consistent winners at Saint Mary's through strong team cohesion and player development, is widely expected to dip into the transfer portal and bring several of his Gaels with him to rebuild the struggling Arizona State program.

Bennett's tenure at Saint Mary's was defined by stability and a clear system. Replicating that success at ASU will require not only implementing that system but also populating it with players who understand and fit within it. This makes current Saint Mary's players prime candidates for a quick transition, potentially avoiding a significant learning curve and accelerating the Sun Devils' turnaround. While the transfer portal is a crowded space, Bennett's existing relationships with these players give ASU a distinct advantage.

Several names have already surfaced as potential Sun Devils. At the top of most lists is Owen Bennett, the coach's son and a guard for the Gaels. The emotional pull of playing for his father is undeniable, and while family considerations aren't always paramount in transfer decisions, they certainly add weight to this possibility. Owen Bennett is a solid player, averaging 7.2 points and 3.1 assists during the 2025-26 season. He isn't a star, but he's a smart, reliable ball-handler who understands Bennett's system implicitly. His arrival would provide much-needed stability at the guard position, and a veteran presence to guide younger players.

Beyond Owen, the need for size is glaringly apparent in the ASU frontcourt. This is where Augustine Umahi becomes a particularly intriguing prospect. The 6'9" big man, who transferred to Saint Mary's from Texas A&M, offers a combination of size, athleticism, and developing skills. Umahi struggled to find consistent minutes in a crowded Saint Mary's frontcourt but has the potential to be a significant contributor at ASU. His experience playing in a Power Five conference, even briefly, provides a level of competitiveness that could be immediately beneficial. Sources indicate Umahi has already entered the transfer portal, increasing the likelihood of a move.

The backcourt could also see reinforcements from Moraga. Dane Sorenson, a sharpshooting guard, fits the mold of players Bennett has historically favored - intelligent, disciplined, and capable of knocking down open shots. While not a dynamic playmaker, Sorenson is a reliable outside threat who would instantly improve ASU's perimeter shooting. The Sun Devils shot a dismal 31.2% from three-point range last season, making a player like Sorenson a high priority.

Finally, Jackson Ratliff presents an interesting case. Ratliff's versatility is his greatest asset. He's capable of playing multiple positions, offering Bennett valuable flexibility in his lineups. Ratliff isn't a statistical standout but is a hustle player who consistently makes winning plays. He could fill a role as a sixth man or a key reserve, providing depth and energy off the bench. Scouts have noted his defensive tenacity and willingness to embrace a team-first approach.

The biggest hurdle for ASU isn't necessarily convincing these players to transfer - it's navigating the complexities of the transfer portal and ensuring compliance with NCAA regulations. Furthermore, ASU's existing roster composition will play a role. Bennett will need to assess the current players and determine where the biggest needs lie. Scholarship availability is also a key factor, as adding multiple transfers could create a logjam.

However, the potential payoff is significant. Bringing in players who already understand Bennett's system could drastically shorten the rebuilding process. Sun Devil fans, starved for success, are cautiously optimistic that Bennett can replicate his Saint Mary's magic in Tempe. The coming weeks will be crucial as the transfer portal window remains open, and the fate of several Saint Mary's players hangs in the balance. The additions of these players wouldn't just fill roster spots; they would lay the foundation for a new era of Sun Devil basketball.