Gonzaga's Emmanuel Innocenti announces commitment to Randy Bennett, Arizona State

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Gonzaga's Emmanuel Innocenti announces commitment to Randy Bennett, Arizona State

Gonzaga's Emmanuel Innocenti announces commitment to Randy Bennett, Arizona State

Apr. 13—New Arizona State coach Randy Bennett is adding a familiar name to his first roster in Tempe. Emmanuel Innocenti, the junior wing who spent his last two seasons at Gonzaga, announced Monday he is committing to the Sun Devils. Innocenti considered playing for Bennett two years earlier, tellin

Gonzaga's Emmanuel Innocenti announces commitment to Randy Bennett, Arizona State

Apr. 13—New Arizona State coach Randy Bennett is adding a familiar name to his first roster in Tempe. Emmanuel Innocenti, the junior wing who spent his last two seasons at Gonzaga, announced Monday he is committing to the Sun Devils. Innocenti considered playing for Bennett two years earlier, telling The Spokesman-Review in January he chose between Gonzaga and Saint Mary's after leaving ...

Randy Bennett's new era at Arizona State is gaining momentum, and it's starting with a player who knows his system well. Junior wing Emmanuel Innocenti, a key contributor for Gonzaga over the last two seasons, announced his commitment to the Sun Devils on Monday.

This move reunites Innocenti with Bennett, a coach he strongly considered two years ago before ultimately choosing Gonzaga over Saint Mary's. Bennett, who built Saint Mary's into a perennial power with 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, now brings his fierce competitive pedigree to the Big 12, and landing a player familiar with his style is a significant first step.

Innocenti is more than just a familiar face; he's a proven two-way talent. He started 29 games for the Zags last season, averaging 6.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while often drawing the toughest defensive assignment. His value was clear in Gonzaga's late-season push, where he routinely played over 30 minutes, including 39 in their NCAA Tournament Round of 32 loss to Texas.

Notably, Innocenti played a pivotal role in Gonzaga's 73-65 victory over Bennett's Saint Mary's team this past January, contributing 10 points, five rebounds, and two assists. His departure marks him as the first Gonzaga player in the transfer portal era to leave after starting a majority of games the previous season.

Innocenti is the first of five Gonzaga transfers to find a new home, as the program simultaneously begins its own reloading process, having secured a commitment from highly-touted Houston guard Isiah Harwell. For Arizona State, securing a versatile and battle-tested wing like Innocenti is a major win as Bennett builds his inaugural roster in Tempe.

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