Rick Croy joins Arizona State men’s basketball coaching staff

Croy arrives in Tempe after more than a decade as a head coach at California Baptist, where he spent 13 seasons building the Lancers into a contender during their transition to Division I. His tenure featured many winning seasons and postseason appearances, reflecting stability and a long-term program vision.

Before his time at California Baptist, Croy was an assistant coach at Saint Mary’s under Bennett, helping guide the program to national relevance. That relationship provides immediate trust as the Sun Devils look to reshape their basketball landscape.

A letter to Lancer Nation from the desk of Rick Croy.#LanceUp⚔️ pic.twitter.com/o5LwiNyz3c

— California Baptist Men’s Basketball (@CBUmbb) March 30, 2026

Croy isn’t the first Croy to commit to ASU, as his son, JRob Croy, flipped his commitment from Saint Mary’s to Arizona State to follow the new head coach.

Saint Mary’s head coach Randy Bennett walks in front of the bench in the first half during a first round men’s basketball game of the NCAA Tournament between St. Mary’s and Texas A&M, at Paycom in Oklahoma City on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

In an era defined by transfer portal movement and NIL-driven rosters, experienced coaches like Croy are vital. His track record emphasizes player development, aligning with Bennett’s focus on efficiency and adaptability.

The move also reflects a deeper investment in culture. Croy is known for creating disciplined, player-first environments — an element the Sun Devils hope will strengthen the locker room amid rapid changes across the sport.

Mar 19, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; California Baptist Lancers head coach Rick Croy during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

ASU is prioritizing proven leadership and a shared philosophy — not just for next season, but for sustained success.