Paulius Murauskas, the 6-foot-8 Lithuanian forward, has committed to Arizona State University, confirming he will join his former Saint Mary’s head coach Randy Bennett in Tempe for the upcoming season. The move was announced through official channels and verified by multiple sports news outlets, marking a significant development in the 2026 NCAA transfer portal landscape.
Murauskas, born on February 14, 2004, in Kaunas, Lithuania, brings two seasons of remaining eligibility to the Arizona State Sun Devils after a standout sophomore year at Saint Mary’s College of California. During the 2024-25 season with the Gaels, he averaged 18.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 48.2% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. His performance earned him First-Team All-West Coast Conference honors for the second consecutive year, following a WCC Newcomer of the Year award in his debut season with Saint Mary’s.
The reunion with Coach Bennett represents a continuation of a successful player-coach relationship that began when Murauskas transferred to Saint Mary’s ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. Bennett, who accepted the head coaching position at Arizona State after the school parted ways with Bobby Hurley, has consistently praised Murauskas’ work ethic and versatility as a power forward capable of stretching the floor and contributing on both ends of the court.
According to verified reports, Murauskas started in all but one of his 33 appearances for the Gaels during the past season, logging an average of 32.2 minutes per game. His ability to score efficiently from inside and outside the paint made him one of the most productive forwards in the WCC, a fact underscored by his back-to-back All-Conference selections.
Before his collegiate career in the United States, Murauskas developed his game in Lithuania’s top professional league, the LKL. He made his debut with BC Žalgiris at age 16 and later had loan spells with BC Nevėžis and BC Lietkabelis, where he averaged 7.2 points per game during the 2022-23 season. His international experience includes representing Lithuania in FIBA U18 European Championships, where he led the tournament in scoring.
Murauskas’ commitment to Arizona State comes after spending his true freshman year at the University of Arizona, where he appeared in 23 games and averaged 2.7 points and 1.2 rebounds per game before entering the transfer portal. His decision to follow Coach Bennett to Tempe was influenced by the trust built during their time together at Saint Mary’s and the opportunity to contribute to a program undergoing a cultural reset under new leadership.
On3’s recruiting service ranked Murauskas as the No. 8 overall player and No. 3 power forward in its 2026 Transfer Portal Player Rankings at the time of his commitment, highlighting his status as one of the most sought-after frontcourt players available. The Sun Devils are expected to rely heavily on his scoring ability and rebounding presence as they aim to improve upon their previous season’s performance in the competitive Big 12 Conference.
As Arizona State prepares for the 2026-27 season, the addition of Murauskas provides immediate frontcourt depth and leadership. His familiarity with Coach Bennett’s system should allow for a seamless transition, enabling the Sun Devils to integrate him quickly into their offensive and defensive schemes. The coaching staff has emphasized the importance of continuity and player development as key pillars of their rebuilding efforts.
Looking ahead, Murauskas will join a roster that includes other transfers and returning players as Arizona State seeks to establish itself as a contender in the Big 12. His first practice with the team is expected to occur during the traditional fall conditioning period, with official preseason activities beginning in September ahead of the November season opener.
For continued updates on Paulius Murauskas’ integration into the Arizona State program and the team’s preparations for the 2026-27 season, fans are encouraged to follow the Sun Devils’ official athletics website and social media channels. Share your thoughts on this transfer and what it means for ASU’s upcoming campaign in the comments below.