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Thursday, April 09, 2026
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Patrick Reunites with Randy Bennett at Arizona State
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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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Sunday, April 05, 2026
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CJ Crumpler Dominates Main Event Showcase
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Bermuda’s rising basketball prospect CJ Crumpler left a significant mark on the recruitment trail this weekend, leading Promise Elite 2028 to a flawless undefeated run at the prestigious Main Event Showcase.
Representing the high-powered Promise Elite squad, Crumpler orchestrated a masterclass in modern guard play as his team swept through a challenging four-game slate. The tournament opened with a statement victory over the Memphis Ghost Cats, where Promise Elite’s suffocating defense and clinical transition game led to a comprehensive 70-32 win. The momentum carried into their second fixture, a high-scoring 76-64 battle against the Crimson Kings that tested Crumpler’s ability to manage a tight game under pressure.
As the showcase progressed, Crumpler’s tactical maturity became the talking point for those on the sidelines. He guided his team to a 68-54 victory over NGU Black before closing out the weekend with a gritty 67-58 win against the Monroe Hurricanes. The perfect 4-0 record served as a testament to Promise Elite’s depth, but it was Crumpler’s individual poise that drew the most attention from regional scouts.
One analyst at the event noted the youngster’s dual-threat capability, stating that Crumpler was remarkably poised in every outing. The scout described him as a "steady scorer" who is equally effective at "dishing the rock," labeling him a selfless player who actively elevates the performance of his teammates whenever he is on the hardwood.
The sentiment was echoed by another prominent scouting report which highlighted Crumpler as an "elite playmaking scoring guard." The review praised his "winning basketball" IQ, noting his exceptional vision and "amazing pace." Perhaps most importantly for his future collegiate prospects, the scout emphasized his efficiency as a shooter and his ability to excel both on and off the ball.
With the showcase circuit intensifying, Crumpler has firmly established himself as a "prospect to keep an eye on," signaling a bright future for the next generation of Bermudian talent in the American youth system.
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Tuesday, March 24, 2026
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Crumpler’s Creative Spark Ignites Promise Elite in Birmingham
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CJ Crumpler has long been established as one of the most explosive scoring threats on the travel ball circuit, but his performance at the Birmingham Classic suggests a significant evolution in his offensive arsenal.
As the On The Radar tour rolled into Alabama to signal the beginning of the spring season, scouts and spectators alike were eager to identify the lead guards set to dominate the headlines. While Crumpler’s reputation as a high-volume scorer preceded him, it was his vision and unselfishness that stole the show during a standout Sunday session for Promise Elite.
Known for his ability to put points on the board in a hurry, Crumpler demonstrated a newfound maturity in his playmaking. On multiple occasions, the guard threaded the needle through congested defensive lanes, delivering pinpoint passes that left teammates with high-percentage looks. By consistently moving the ball and identifying defensive lapses before they developed, he dictated the tempo of the game in a manner that transcended mere shot-making.
The shift in style does not mean Crumpler has lost his scoring touch—he still found plenty of opportunities to find the basket himself—but the added depth to his game presents a frightening prospect for opposing coaches. If this viewing is a true indicator of his trajectory for the spring, Crumpler is transforming from a pure specialist into a comprehensive floor general.
As the travel ball season intensifies, the ability to balance elite scoring with elite distribution will be the metric that separates the trending prospects from the rest of the pack. On this evidence, Crumpler is firmly in the former category.
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Monday, March 16, 2026
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Red Storm Blown Away in Texas ABA Playoffs
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Terence Dill’s Houston Red Storm saw their 19th season come to a bruising conclusion, falling 141–112 to a relentless Alamo City All-Stars in the playoff quarter-finals.
Despite arriving in San Antonio on the back of a formidable six-game winning streak, the Red Storm found themselves physically overwhelmed by the number two seeds. The All-Stars delivered a powerhouse offensive display that even a masterful individual performance from Houston’s star playmaker, Cameron Moore, could not suppress.
Cameron Moore once again underlined his status as one of the nation’s premier talents, recording a gargantuan triple-double. Moore finished the night with 18 points, 16 rebounds, and 16 assists, leading his side in all three major categories as they fought to stay competitive on the glass. Houston's collective effort in the paint saw them haul in 51 rebounds, but it was rarely enough to stem the tide of Alamo City second-chance points.
The Red Storm’s trademark resilience was on full display in the second half. Facing a daunting 88–54 deficit, Houston ignited a 13-point unanswered run to momentarily silence the home crowd. Dylan Spriggins took the game by the scruff of the neck in the third quarter, accounting for 14 of his team-high 31 points in that frame alone, helping Houston outscore the All-Stars 34–32 in the period.
Inside the arc, Houston remained efficient, shooting 53% on two-point field goals. Gerry Glover rolled back the years with a vintage display from distance, knocking down five triples to finish with 20 points, while Lonzo Rand, Gabriel Drayton, and Eric Boyd all reached double figures in a losing effort.
For Coach Terence Dill, the defeat was a sobering reminder of the defensive standards required at the elite level. Speaking in the post-game press conference, Dill was candid about his team's shortcomings on the night.
"We didn't play the kind of defense we are accustomed to playing today," Dill admitted. "You cannot give up 141 points in a playoff environment and expect to advance. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but we will get better in the off-season. The blueprint for the future is already being drawn."
While the curtain falls on their 19th campaign, the foundation laid by Moore and Spriggins suggests the Red Storm will remain a significant force when the league returns later this year.
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Sunday, March 01, 2026
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Red Storm Rallies from 20-Point Deficit in ABA Thriller
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Terence Dill’s Houston Red Storm produced a stunning second-half comeback to overcome a 20-point deficit and defeat the CTX Chaos 134–129. The victory, a fitting finale to the regular season, extends Houston’s winning streak to six games and officially locks down the third seed for the upcoming ABA playoffs.
The Red Storm appeared to be heading for a disappointing conclusion to their home schedule when they trailed 92–72 midway through the third quarter. However, a tactical shift sparked an elite gear within the Houston ranks, as a 15–2 run late in the frame closed the gap and set the stage for a dominant fourth quarter. Trailing 121–113 with only minutes remaining, the Red Storm ignited a 12-point unanswered run to snatch the lead and the victory, outscoring the Chaos 35–21 in the final period.
The comeback was spearheaded by a legendary return to the lineup from Dylan Spriggins, who dropped 42 points, including 12 in the final quarter. Spriggins’ "no-quit" performance reaffirmed his status as one of the league’s premier scorers. He was expertly supported by Cameron Moore, who recorded his fourth consecutive triple-double with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and a career-high 21 assists. Moore’s vision orchestrated a highly efficient 54-field-goal night for the Red Storm.
In the paint, Eric Boyd delivered a vital double-double of 28 points and 14 rebounds, shooting clinically as part of Houston’s 60% night on two-pointers. Rookie standout Lonzo Rand also played a pivotal role, contributing 19 points and providing the critical spacing required to keep the Chaos defense off balance during the late-game surge.
Reflecting on the resilient performance, head coach Terence Dill praised his side’s mental fortitude. Dill noted that trailing by 20 in the final home game was the ultimate test of character and that outscoring their opponents by 14 in the fourth quarter proved the team is physically and mentally conditioned for the post-season. Spriggins echoed his coach’s sentiments, stating that the locker room’s "no-quit" attitude ensured they did not panic when the deficit peaked.
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