From Arizona State Sun Devils On SI · · 1m 20s
Randy Bennett Praises Paulius Murauskas After Sun Devils Win
Randy Bennett highlights Paulius Murauskas' leadership as key to Arizona State's 92-62 victory over Louisiana Monroe.
In brief
Randy Bennett highlights Paulius Murauskas' leadership as key to Arizona State's 92-62 victory over Louisiana Monroe. Arizona State's Paulius Murauskas led the Sun Devils to a 92-62 win over Louisiana Monroe with 31 points and 13 rebounds, earning praise for his leadership. Originally reported by Arizona State Sun…
Murauskas' Leadership Impact
Randy Bennett praised Paulius Murauskas for leading Arizona State to a 92-62 victory over Louisiana Monroe with 31 points and 13 rebounds.
“When I don't have to talk to them (his players) during the games, they've gotten good, and that's kind of where I am with Paulis . Wasn't always like that, but I just let him play. He knows what he's doing.”
Murauskas' Leadership Growth
Bennett noted Murauskas has become a strong leader, wanting his team to be good and speaking to teammates about coaching strategies.
“When they start saying the things you're saying, when they start saying those things to their teammates, what the coaches are trying to tell our team when they're saying it, then you have good leadership. And he really wants to be good. He really wants his team to be good.”
Murauskas' Leadership Development
Bennett said Murauskas has grown into a leader, improving in other areas like strength while focusing on leadership.
“Everybody asks me, 'Man, where's he gotten better?' And that's (leadership) by far number one. He's gotten better in other areas. He's gotten stronger, but he's just really grown up into a good leader.”
ASU's Rebounding and Defense
Arizona State's defense improved with rebounding and ball control, but they slipped to a plus 13 in the game.
“That's one of our big deals: rebounding, defending, taking care of the ball, and then being efficient offensively, and we weren't happy about it slipping to a plus 13.”
ASU's Late Game Defense
Arizona State's defense held up until the last eight to ten minutes, but they struggled to keep Louisiana Monroe off the three-point line.
“We were good, on defense, until (the) last eight to 10 minutes. But we were good. Our numbers, our defensive numbers, are good. Big key on them was keeping them off the three, which we have not been doing a great job of.”
Murauskas' Elite Status
Bennett ranked Murauskas among the best players he has coached in his 25-year career, including Matthew Dellavedova and Patty Mills.
“At that position, I would say the best (I've coached) at that position. We've had some really good guards and really good fives. He's in the conversation. I thought about it a lot recently. Like, where is he? He's just put himself into, in my 25 years, the elite category group.”
Next Game Against Oakland
Arizona State will play Oakland on Wednesday, November 18, at 7:00 PM for their next game.
“Bennett, Murauskas and the Devils will return to the court on Wednesday, Nov. 18, for a 7:00 PM tip vs. Oakland.”
The big picture
Arizona State's Paulius Murauskas led the Sun Devils to a 92-62 win over Louisiana Monroe with 31 points and 13 rebounds, earning praise for his leadership.
