Former Saint Mary's forward Paulius Murauskas has signed to follow head coach Randy Bennett to Arizona State, declaring on Instagram that he chose a program where he feels valued as both a player and person. The 6‑foot‑8 Lithuanian says trust and personal growth guided his decision.

Murauskas appeared sparingly as a freshman at Arizona before flourishing at Saint Mary's, where he averaged 18.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in his junior year. His performance earned him two NCAA tournament berths and made him one of the most sought‑after transfers in the portal.

Randy Bennett was named ASU's new coach on March 23, replacing Bobby Hurley. His first recruit, Murauskas, arrives as the Sun Devils look to rebuild after a lackluster season, while Bennett emphasizes relationships over money in player decisions. ASU hopes his presence will spark renewed fan enthusiasm.

Murauskas' move signals a shift in the transfer market where loyalty and coaching rapport can outweigh financial incentives. With his 18.4‑point average and proven tournament experience, he will likely become a cornerstone for Bennett’s first season, setting the tone for ASU’s return to competitiveness.