The transformation of Arizona State basketball under Randy Bennett reached a significant milestone on Wednesday, as the Sun Devils confirmed the appointment of David Patrick as Associate Head Coach.
The move marks a high-profile reunion for Bennett and Patrick, who previously orchestrated one of the most successful periods in Saint Mary’s history. Patrick joins a revamped coaching ticket in Tempe that already includes fellow Associate Head Coaches Rick Croy and Joe Rahon, creating a staff deeply rooted in Bennett’s established culture as the program transitions into the Big 12 Conference.
Patrick arrives in the desert boasting a resume that spans over two decades at the highest levels of the game. Most recently serving as Associate Head Coach at LSU, he has been recognized as one of the most influential figures in the modern game, recently named one of the "Top-100 Most Impactful High Major Assistants of 2026" by Silver Waves Media.
His reputation as a "top-flight recruiter" is backed by staggering numbers. Patrick has recruited 11 NBA players, including seven draft picks and four first-rounders. His connections stretch far beyond the United States; the Australian native has been a key architect of the international pipeline that has come to define Bennett-led programs, including the recruitment of Patty Mills during his first stint with Bennett in Moraga (2006-10).
Reflecting on his move to Arizona State, Patrick highlighted the personal connection that drew him back to his former mentor.
“My family and I are extremely excited to reunite with Randy Bennett,” Patrick said. “Coach Bennett has had a significant impact on my journey, and I have great respect for the way he builds programs—with discipline, toughness, and a clear identity. Arizona State has everything in place to compete at the highest level in the Big 12, and I’m eager to pursue championships and build something special.”
Patrick’s expertise isn't limited to the collegiate ranks. Since 2019, he has served as an assistant for the Australian National Team, helping the "Boomers" secure a historic bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021—the country's first-ever Olympic medal in men's basketball. He remained a fixture on the staff for the 2024 Paris Games, where Australia reached the knockout stages.
His head coaching experience is equally impressive. During a two-season tenure at Sacramento State, Patrick’s 2022-23 squad posted the most wins by a first-year coach in school history. He previously led UC Riverside, where he was a finalist for the Hugh Durham Award as the nation’s top mid-major coach.
The assembly of this coaching staff signals a clear strategy from Randy Bennett as he prepares ASU for its maiden Big 12 voyage. By surrounding himself with Croy, Rahon, and now Patrick—all of whom have previous experience under his system—Bennett has prioritized continuity and trust during a period of rapid change in Tempe.
With the transfer portal open and recruiting battles for the 2026-27 season intensifying, the addition of Patrick provides the Sun Devils with one of the most formidable and internationally connected coaching benches in the nation.
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