3 Takeaways From ASU's Bennett's Opening Press Conference

Arizona State on SI gives three major takeaways from the presser that included contributions from Bennett, Michael Crow, and athletic director Graham Rossini, below.

Bennett Was Set on Heading to ASU

The 63-year-old head coach was asked whether Gonzaga's leaving the West Coast Conference for the newly shaped Pac-12 was a factor in the Gaels' departure. Bennett ultimately confirmed that it did indeed play a role, but also made it abundantly clear that he would have made the jump regardless.

Arizona State has widely been self-coined as Bennett's "dream job," citing the Sun Devils as a program he admired on a grand scale when growing up in the Phoenix area in the late 1970's and early 1980's. He wanted to live in the area, take on the challenge of competing in an incredibly competitive Big 12, and bring Arizona State back into the limelight.

Sun Devils Will Target Specific Type of Personnel

Bennett reiterated that the Sun Devils would further commit to NIL efforts in the years to come, but the program's approach would be to target players who truly want to be in Tempe and grow all-around, as first cited by university president Michael Crow.

Arizona State AD Graham Rossini echoed a similar sentiment, suggesting that leadership is fully aligned. Returnees in Bryce Ford and Vijay Wallace fit the mold of players that the program will target, while Paulius Murauskas, potentially forgoing more money to play for Bennett yet again, sets the tone for the transfer portal attack in Tempe.

Bennett Believes in Future of Program

Bennett was quite forthright when asked about his vision for the program, stating that he believes the Sun Devils can become "good" early in his tenure, but face roadblocks before they take steps toward becoming "great" down the line.

At the end of the day, Bennett is determined, has assembled an elite staff, and has a clear vision for what Arizona State will become. It is a new era in Tempe under Bennett, and the program looks to make some noise in 2026-27.