Thompson: Randy Bennett has brought Saint Mary’s far, but there’s ‘another level’ to reach

By Marcus Thompson II Feb 3, 2018 7

It’s well after 10:30 p.m. Randy Bennett puts a binder the size of a coffee table Bible back on the shelf behind his desk. He organizes a stack of papers into a pile and places it under his white MacBook, which he’s probably had since Patty Mills was his point guard. They both go under his arm as he departs his office. His boys, Chase and Cade, who opted to ride home with their dad instead of earlier with mom, still have some hop in their step.

The gym is still not empty after Bennett’s Gaels demolished USF 79-43 on Thursday night, stretching their school-record winning streak to 17. The game was a late start, televised on ESPNU. But when a small town has the 13th-ranked team in the nation, people still want to soak up the vibe. So before he could leave the gym, Bennett had more hands to shake, more praise to deflect.

Why has Bennett stayed at Saint Mary’s so long? This is why. This is his lane as a coach. The simplicity.