Paulius Murauskas was ‘too big, too strong’ in dominant victory over Louisiana-Monroe

(Photo: Jordan Keats/WCSN)

TEMPE – Over a 25-year span as Saint Mary’s head coach, Randy Bennett sent seven players to the NBA. In an effort to honor the best, the university retired three of the seven players’ jersey numbers. That trio consists of NBA champion guards Matthew Dellavedova and Patty Mills, as well as center Jock Landale.

When he became head coach of Arizona State, Bennett brought along fourth-year forward Paulius Murauskas from Saint Mary’s. During two years together in Moraga, California, Murauskas earned First Team All-WCC honors twice, placing him in conversations alongside some of the best Bennett has coached.

“I’ve thought about it a lot recently,” Bennett said. “He’s put himself – in my 25 years – into an elite category.

“But as far as a four? Best I’ve ever coached.”

In his first three games as a Sun Devil, Murauskas showed why Bennett places him among his best, averaging 25.3 points per game. Against Louisiana-Monroe (1-4), Murauskas continued to earn Bennett’s praise, as his 31-point performance led ASU (4-0) to a 93-62 Friday night win at Desert Financial Arena.

“My rule of thumb is when I don’t have to talk to them during the games, they’ve gotten good,” Bennett said. “That’s where I’m at with Paulius. It wasn’t always like that, but I just let him play.”

So far this season, Bennett has let Murauskas play and then some. He’s played 30-plus minutes in all four games, despite three ending in 20-plus-point blowout wins. As a result, Murauskas has built a two-way street of trust with Bennett through these performances.

“That’s why I transferred – because I trust the coach,” Murauskas said. “I think he’s really great at making guys better.”

After spending his first season coming off the bench at Arizona, Murauskas transferred to Saint Mary’s. Murauskas powered the Gaels to consecutive regular-season WCC championships culminating in NCAA tournament appearances.

In his two years at Saint Mary’s, Murauskas scored 30-plus points twice, a tally he’s equaled through four games in Tempe. Against ULM, he reached the mark with excellent efficiency.

Murauskas finished the first half with 20 points while shooting 8-of-13 from the field and 2-of-4 from three. ULM understandably struggled to defend Murauskas, as they were caught between double-teaming and leaving him in single coverage.

“There’s not many four-men that can guard him straight up in the post,” Bennett said. “You kind of got to pick your poison.”

No matter which route ULM took, they ended up watching Murauskas send the ball through the net. His efficiency petered out in the second half, but he still tacked on 11 points on 3-of-7 shooting.

At his postgame press conference, Bennett jokingly apologized for not leaving Murauskas out to pursue his career-high 33 points, set a week ago against Northern Colorado.

Despite not surpassing last week’s mark, Murauskas has continued to lead the team in scoring. At times, ASU didn’t look comfortable executing Bennett’s trademark slow offense and turned to Murauskas late in the shot clock. Yet Murauskas thrived in these spots, using his physicality down low to will his way to the basket.

“He’s just too big, too strong and he draws fouls,” Bennett said.

Alongside third-year center Ben Defty, Murauskas was one of two upperclassmen to start against ULM, bringing the Sun Devils a much-needed veteran presence.

“His leadership – everybody asks me, ‘where has he gotten better,’” Bennett said. “That’s by far number one.”

Although ASU hasn’t faced a high-major opponent, Murauskas’ leadership will be key for coping with the adversity. After the Sun Devils finished in the bottom five of the Big 12 in back-to-back seasons, Murauskas’ guidance can also help Bennett’s tenure get off to a strong start.

“He really wants to be good,” Bennett said. “He really wants this team to be good.”