“Build a statue of him”: Virginia hoops fans give heartwarming reaction to Tony Bennett’s unexpected resignation ahead of NCAAB season
Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball coach Tony Bennett retired on Friday. His announcement came when the Cavaliers were less than three weeks away from the start of the 2024-25 season.
The 55-year-old coach headed UVA for 15 years and became the program’s winningest coach in its history. He also grabbed two Naismith College Coach of the Year and two AP Coach of the Year awards on the back of his defensive schemes and player developmental efforts. He also led Virginia to an NCAA championship in 2019.
Despite the sad news of Bennett's departure, fans requested Virginia's men's basketball program to honor Bennett's legacy:
"NAME THE COURT AFTER HIM!" a fan wrote.
"Build a statue of him right in front of JPJ," another fan commented, referencing Virginia's home court, John Paul Jones Arena.
"It better be named Tony Bennett Court before the season starts," another fan wrote.
Moreover, fans stormed the comment section, touching on the immediate change college basketball will experience in Bennett's absence:
"Sad day. He is loved and will be missed. Basketball today is not the same sport," a fan commented.
"UVA basketball won’t be the same anymore!!!" another fan wrote.
"Coming from a UCONN Fan…it’s sad to see Tony Bennett go. Such an incredible coach and leader. College basketball lost a great one," another fan commented.
More fans used the comment section to wish the best to the former coach, share his impact on college sports and share their sentiments on his retirement.
Ron Sanchez to take over for Tony Bennett as interim head coach
For now, associate head coach Ron Sanchez will act as the interim head coach for the Cavaliers. He has been with the program for more than a decade and has an extensive history of working with Bennett.
The new coach has huge shoes to fill as Bennett led the program to six ACC regular-season titles. With that, Virginia needs to ensure an upward trajectory in their basketball standard.
The Cavaliers have not come close to winning the NCAA title since their championship run in 2019. In the last five years, the Hoos have missed the tournament twice, lost in the first round twice, and lost in the First Four last season.