With Randy Bennett stepping in as Arizona State’s new head coach, there’s growing curiosity about how he will shape the Sun Devils’ roster. While coaching changes often lead to major roster turnover—especially in today’s transfer portal era—Bennett has built his reputation on developing players rather than constantly chasing new talent. Because of that philosophy, there’s a strong possibility he will prioritize retaining several key contributors from last season, despite the team’s struggles.
One of the most important players to keep is center Massamba Diop. Originally a three-star recruit from Senegal, Diop quickly emerged as one of the team’s top performers and arguably one of the best evaluations of the previous coaching staff. As the only true center on the roster, he played a crucial role, finishing near the top of the team in both scoring and rebounding while also averaging over two blocks per game. He even began expanding his offensive game by developing a perimeter shot. With his size, versatility, and continued growth, Diop has the potential to become an NBA lottery pick, which makes him a strong candidate to explore transfer opportunities. Still, there are reasons to believe he might stay, including his connection to assistant coach Nick Irvin and some overlap in representation with Bennett. Keeping Diop would provide a strong foundation for the program moving forward.
Forward Santiago Trouet is another player who fits well with Bennett’s coaching style. The Argentine transfer from UC San Diego quickly secured a starting role and proved to be a reliable presence, particularly on the boards. He led the team in rebounding and contributed solid scoring numbers, thriving around the basket despite being known as a stretch forward. His strengths—defense, rebounding, and physical play—align closely with Bennett’s system, which emphasizes toughness and controlling the glass. Additionally, Bennett is already familiar with Trouet from prior matchups, which could further increase the likelihood of him being retained.
Guard Noah Meeusen also presents an intriguing option. The Belgian combo guard showed flashes of strong play during his first season, functioning as a secondary ball handler alongside point guard Moe Odum. While his production was inconsistent, Meeusen demonstrated his ability to score and stretch the floor, particularly in games where he found his rhythm from beyond the arc. His overall numbers were respectable, but his potential suggests there is more to unlock. Given Bennett’s track record of developing guards, Meeusen could benefit greatly from staying and refining his game within a more structured system.
Forward Andrija Grbović offers another possible piece to retain, especially if the Sun Devils are unable to land top transfer targets. Standing at 6’9” with experience playing professionally in Europe, Grbović brings shooting ability and versatility as a stretch forward. However, his struggles with physicality and rebounding may limit his role, as those areas are heavily emphasized in Bennett’s approach. Still, his skill set provides upside if properly developed.
Lastly, guard Bryce Ford could be a valuable asset due to his shooting ability. After transferring from Toledo, he provided consistent perimeter scoring, even as his role fluctuated throughout the season. With several years of experience and proven shooting efficiency, Ford fits naturally into a system that values spacing and outside shooting.
Ultimately, while roster changes are inevitable, Bennett may look to build continuity by retaining players who align with his philosophy and have room to grow.
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