Arizona State Sun Devils men’s basketball has added an experienced coach to its staff by hiring Rick Croy as the associate head coach. The announcement was made on March 30, 2026, as the program looks to build a stronger foundation and improve player development for the coming seasons.
The move is seen as an important step for the Sun Devils as they aim to create stability and long-term success in college basketball.
Rick Croy’s Coaching Background
Rick Croy joins Arizona State after spending 13 seasons as the head coach of the California Baptist Lancers men’s basketball.
During his time there, he guided the program through a major transition from Division II to Division I, while also building a competitive team that reached several postseason tournaments.
His leadership helped California Baptist become a respected program during its rise in college basketball.
Rick Croy Coaching Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Associate Head Coach |
| New Team | Arizona State Sun Devils |
| Previous Role | Head Coach, California Baptist |
| Seasons at CBU | 13 |
| Key Achievement | Led program through Division I transition |
Previous Connection with Randy Bennett
Croy also shares a strong coaching connection with Arizona State’s head coach Randy Bennett.
Earlier in his career, Croy worked as an assistant coach at Saint Mary’s Gaels men’s basketball under Bennett. That professional relationship played a major role in bringing him to Arizona State.
Because both coaches share similar basketball philosophies, the hire is expected to help the staff work together smoothly.
What Rick Croy Brings to Arizona State
Rick Croy is known for building disciplined and player-focused teams. His programs have often been praised for strong development systems and consistent improvement.
Arizona State hopes his experience will help the program adjust to the modern college basketball environment, which now includes:
- Increased transfer portal activity
- NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities for players
- Rapid roster changes across programs
By adding a veteran coach like Croy, the Sun Devils are focusing on creating a long-term culture of development and stability rather than quick short-term fixes.
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Recruiting Impact: JRob Croy Commitment Change
The coaching move also affected recruiting.
Rick Croy’s son, JRob Croy, changed his college commitment from Saint Mary’s to Arizona State following his father’s hiring.
This situation shows how coaching changes can influence player decisions and recruiting outcomes in college basketball.
Recruiting Update
| Player | Update |
|---|---|
| JRob Croy | Changed commitment from Saint Mary’s to Arizona State |
Arizona State’s Vision Moving Forward
Arizona State is clearly focused on building a stable and competitive basketball program. Hiring a coach with more than a decade of head coaching experience signals the university’s commitment to strengthening the team’s structure.
With Randy Bennett leading the program and Rick Croy now joining the staff, the Sun Devils are aiming to build a strong foundation that can compete consistently in future seasons.
Key Updates
| Player / Team | Key Update |
|---|---|
| Rick Croy | Hired as Arizona State associate head coach after 13 seasons at Cal Baptist |
| Arizona State Sun Devils | Adding experienced leadership focused on player development |
| California Baptist Lancers | Program previously led by Croy during Division I transition |
| JRob Croy | Flipped commitment from Saint Mary’s to Arizona State |
The addition of Rick Croy gives Arizona State a coach with deep experience in building programs and developing players. His long coaching background and existing relationship with Randy Bennett should help the Sun Devils strengthen their culture and prepare for future success in college basketball.
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