Tony Bennett Leaves WSU (and Pac 10) for Virginia (in the ACC)

by Achilles on Mar 30, 2009 3:22 PM PDT

Breaking news from the Moscow-Pullman Daily News:

The Tony Bennett era has come to an end at Washington State University, and it appears the coach is slated to take over as the new head-man at the University of Virginia.

Reports of Bennett’s departure were first reported earlier today by the Charlottesville (Va.) Daily Progress.

According to its report, Bennett is expected to be named the new coach at Virginia later today.

The Virginia position recently came open when former coach Dave Leitao was fired.

Also already fanshotted by ryebreadz here.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.

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Oh this is sad

I liked Tony Bennet, he brought a level of success to WSU that they have never seen. It’s sad to see him leave the Pac-10 for a middling ACC team. I wonder if this means WSU will fall back into the basement of the Pac 10 again…

Victory or until next year!

by ncrpz2 on Mar 30, 2009 3:34 PM PDT reply actions

I think Arizona missed out!

They should have at least interviewed him…not that I care what happens to them. Bennett is a class act and he’ll be missed in the Pac-10.

But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.

by tasser10 on Mar 30, 2009 3:40 PM PDT reply actions

He did more with less than most coaches in the country

and then when he got “more”, he truly developed it.

Sorry to see him go.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 30, 2009 3:58 PM PDT reply actions

Disappointing

He represented the Pac-10 and WSU very well. Oh well, I hope he built enough of a foundation where the next coach can continue to build up the conference as a great conference with excellent coaches… and an insane, shady one from across town.

by UCLA4Life on Mar 30, 2009 4:07 PM PDT reply actions

uva

is getting themselves one hell of a coach

Across The Face

by rb bruin on Mar 30, 2009 4:09 PM PDT reply actions

wooHoo!

While I am sad for the WSU community in seeing a coach having had such a great impact leave, as a University of Virginia (law) alumni, all I can now say is YAY!!! And, welcome to C’ville, Coach Bennett.

by bruinhoo on Mar 30, 2009 4:54 PM PDT reply actions

What a huge blow for WSU

Of all the P-10 coaches, After CBH, Tony Bennet would of been my first choice were I an AD looking for a coach.

by haster123 on Mar 30, 2009 4:57 PM PDT reply actions

WOW

Did not see this one coming. He certainly will have more recruiting tools to work with at UVA though so you can’t really blame him. Guess he was just waiting until he finally got that victory against UCLA before leaving :)

by Sideout11 on Mar 30, 2009 5:00 PM PDT reply actions

I figured he was waiting for Bo Ryan to retire

And go back to Wisconsin, after all the suitors he had rejected.

His style will sure be an interesting addition to the ACC, which has nothing like it right now.

by bluebland on Mar 30, 2009 5:24 PM PDT reply actions

Confusing

After turning down much better jobs than UVA last year, such as Indiana, and with the many good jobs open this year, such as Arizona, this is really a strange move for Bennett. I wish Bennett the best and cant say that I am unhappy to see him go since his WSU team was always a tough victory.

by bruinponcho on Mar 30, 2009 5:30 PM PDT reply actions

Wow, the vitriol on CougCenter is INCREDIBLE.

Too lazy to do actual links right now, but look at the story headlines in reverse order, from newest to oldest (along with the time each story was posted this afternoon):

“Tony Bennett really is insane” (5:21 pm PDT)

“Bennett, you idiot” (5:12 pm PDT)

“At least have the decency to stab us in the front” (4:56 pm PDT)

“Players ‘shocked’ by Bennett’s departure” (4:47 pm PDT)

“Sterk speaks: National search will ensue” (4:20 pm PDT)

“It’s true” (3:16pm PDT)

“I have no idea what the hell is going on” (2:55 pm PDT)

The Cougs are beyond PISSED right now. Looks like Bennet didn’t just sandbag them — he sandbagged them, took their wallets when they were out cold, emptied their bank accounts, and left their wallets on top of an empty gas can next to a forest fire for the cops to find.

Geez…

"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008

by Meriones on Mar 30, 2009 5:36 PM PDT reply actions

They are really bummed out and angry

and I don’t blame them.

by Nestor on Mar 30, 2009 6:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Can't blame them for the emotion

As might be gathered from my comment above, I am far from a disinterested observer in this matter.

I am somewhat surprised with the level of anger directed at Bennett, between what he and his father did for the program, plus the idea that WSU was not likely to be a career-capping job for him. I imagine that something between he and the university regarding his continuation in Pullman got screwed with to see this kind of reaction.

As much as I love now being able to support Bennett, his decision to go to UVa was a surprise to me, and carries significant risk. I can certainly confirm the discussion which occurred within rye’s fanshot regarding the expectations and an inflated sense of self regarding the basketball program. As opposed to the football program – where the alumni are reasonably satisfied with their older, higher-paid version of Karl Dorrell – basketball is a more serious matter, even though the school finds itself at a greater competitive disadvantage in the ACC in that sport.

I was somewhat surprised when this position became available; I thought that Leitao would be given one more year to lead the program – after 4 years, 3 recruiting cycles, and an ACC regular season championship (1 of only 2 in school history), he was just starting to get his players leading the team. In the end, this year’s 12-16 record, along with an inability to get his team to play consistent defense (one of Leitao’s main stated goals upon coming to Charlottesville) and failure to recruit a decent replacement for Singletary at PG did him in.

by bruinhoo on Mar 30, 2009 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions

Terrible news

Bad day for the Pac 10. Bennett’s a class act and a great coach.

by paulucla on Mar 30, 2009 7:02 PM PDT reply actions

I am glad to see him go

WSU has always been a tough, tough team with him at the controls. I’m not going to say that they will be a pushover without him, but they played us as tough as any team anywhere with him.

I think this was a major steal by Virginia. Guys who might have wanted to play for him but couldn’t find their way to Pullman will be lined up at his door in Virginia.

Good luck to Coach Bennett. I am sure he will have great success at his new digs (and probably very quickly, too.)

by Fox 71 on Mar 30, 2009 8:19 PM PDT reply actions

It will be tough, but with some definate bright spots.

Coach Bennett will have advantages in recruiting which he could only have dreamed of at WSU: Compared to Pullman, recruiting someone to Charlottesville is far easier (it even worked for me, in re to law school in Chicago/LA/NYC), while UVa’s athletic department has a nearly unlimited budget (even the USC slush fund would blush) and near NBA-caliber facilities.

The level of competition which he finds in recruiting will jump way up, due in part to the higher level of recruit which he can realistically go after at UVa/C’ville compared to WSU/Pullman, and the wider demand for that level of player among other major programs (other ACC/Big East teams).

by bruinhoo on Mar 30, 2009 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions

I feel really really bad for WSU

They (including the players) had absolutely no idea, no advance warning—Bennett did the equivalent of leaving without two weeks’ notice. And WSU is going to have an incredibly difficult time finding a replacement in the same ballpark.

Obviously it’s a necessary business decision by Bennett but WSU got kicked so hard I’m doubled over here in LA.

by dokein on Mar 31, 2009 12:37 AM PDT reply actions

as mentioned earlier

i just dont see why he turned down so many other offers last year, only to take over UVA this year..do we have any numbers in regards to $ yet?

O.A.

by Ollie on Mar 31, 2009 1:12 AM PDT reply actions

The coaching equivalent of a "one-and--done"?

Well, not quite “one” — but I think the disappointment and anger are based on the idea that someone is leaving before people want him to leave.

Once one elevates “self-interest” above commitment and institutional loyalty it is difficult to get upset by moves like this. Contracts have no meaning and neither do 4 year scholarships.

On the player side, I don’t like the idea of selling our soul to get one year out of a player — but it seems to be well accepted among most.

Frankly, I don’t see a big difference between that and what Bennet did.

Contract or not, an AD has to let him go because no one wants a disgruntled coach who wants to be elsewhere.

We have built this world where one’s word means little and should neither be surprised nor hurt when one does not keep it.

sjh

PS. I also wonder if there is a “back story” here that explains the “sudden” move — especially in light of what he turned down, before. It might be as simple as his statement that with this year’s record, his currency was slipping (and would probably get worse with the loss of some players. But, he had some strong freshmen and has always done well with weaker talent. I wonder what the real story is.)

PPS. Will the opening bring the lizard back to the Pac 10? After all, he’s been “back seat coaching” here for years. Certainly, WSU will have to consider this pundit.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 31, 2009 4:37 AM PDT reply actions

I just drove through the WSU blog

It seems the school has cut back on some things. No more charter flights for the Cougs, and the school wouldn’t send Bennett and his staff to the NCAA tournament. I don’t know whether chartered flights are usual or not. I’ve seen quite a few teams at airports, but it was the Iona women’s water polo team (no kidding) and the Army baseball team. I assume it wouldn’t be easy for an forward or center to sit in a middle seat in coach.

I also thought that an opening in the Pac 10 might mean that CHP might get some consideration. I cannot seriously believe that any AD would be stupid enough to sign that idiot. Our AD was stupid enough to do so and to keep him after it was obvious that he was not a coach, but it is inconceivable that anyone could be as stupid as the guy posing as our AD during the Reign of Error.

by Fox 71 on Mar 31, 2009 5:19 AM PDT reply actions

Charter Flights

It may not be an issue of “luxury” but rather of convenience and travel time. Not every school is close to a major airport. Taking a local charter can cut a day of travel time off a round trip.

IIRC, WSU is not near a major airport and I think we’ve chartered in, before, to avoid long bus rides.

These teams earn enough revenue to justify this expenditure.

I figured there was a back story.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 31, 2009 5:43 AM PDT up reply actions

Good points

Maybe the back story is just that—WSU’s demonstrated unenthusiasm for competing at a higher level. As you imply, charter flights can affect a team’s preparation and performance. And, sending the coaches to view the teams playing at this higher level, so as to see what they, themselves, have to do to get there, well that seems like a worthwhile and not-too-expensive investment in one’s team.

What, with the difficulty of recruiting from Pullman, this kind of “nickle and dimeing” may have just been too much for Coach Bennett.

by Bruinut on Mar 31, 2009 8:54 AM PDT up reply actions

We Are Lucky

I went over to Coug Center to see what the posts looked like, and it’s really kinda tragic.

Lots of hate, lots of anger, lots of confusion, lots of feelings of betrayal, lots of questions whether they keep their recruits, lots of doubt as to the future of the program.

And, what seems the saddest of all, lots of comments that resignedly admit that WSU is a stepping stone school that can never realistically expect to keep a good coach for long (kinda like me talking to the prom queen in high school – cue Just Once by James Ingram).

Thank goodness we are from a school that doesn’t face that. We are blessed by our location, our academics, and our athletic tradition. We may get some dogs as coaches from time to time, but we never really have to worry that our coaches are checking the want-ads for something better.

greg in denver - UCLA guy for life

by gbruin on Mar 31, 2009 9:52 AM PDT reply actions

Howland

CBH was approached two years (astute college basketball observers can connect the dots) ago about an opening. He didn’t bother entertaining it. He turned it down.

Reading by the letters from idiots in the LAT, it’s clear there is a small segment of UCLA fanbase (the Johnny Come Latelies who hopped on board after Zaga 06) has no idea how good we have it with Howland.

Just this year we saw from KU and Memphis … how tough it is to make to back to back final-4s … and yet there was Howland taking us to three straight.

I am not naive. If some of the yahoos who write to LAT get a little louder with the support from the often ignorant LA media, I wouldn’t blame Howland if he even thinks about entertaining offers of more money from other programs (or perhaps an NBA team) … but at least we will do what we can to make sure to reinforce how much we appreciate him at this little corner of the internets.

PS: I feel bad for the CougCenter guys too. You have to love their emotion and dedication. I hope it works out for them.

by Nestor on Mar 31, 2009 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions

I'm still waiting

I am still waiting for the moron douchebag idiot scumbags who complain about Coach Howland, to present a better alternative. Whom would they rather have than a man who grew up worshipping UCLA basketball, who embraces and respects the tradition and history, who recruits players of outstanding character who are increasingly talented, who prepares his players for the NBA, who treats his players and his opponents with the utmost respect, who never complains and who wants to win.

Seriously. Who do they want? Sleazypari? Bill Self the whiner? Southern Roy Williams? Ratface? If I ever meet one of these idiots I am liable to punch them in the mouth…figuratively, you know, with reason and logic. I am just waiting to meet one.

But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.

by tasser10 on Mar 31, 2009 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions

Thanks, Bruins...

This is why I enjoy UCLA athletics – the fans are loyal and respectful. The Coug Nation is truly reeling from the blow we just received. The issue isn’t with the fact he left – let’s be honest, we knew he wasn’t going to stay forever, especially if the Wisconsin job opened up, but it’s how he went about leaving.

Last year, CTB passed up on IU, LSU, and had interest from other programs as well. He signed a new contract, and committed to staying. Then, out of the blue, he says he’s leaving for Virginia, gets on a plane and goes. No rhyme or reason, no negotion, just gone. A week program in a conference that he will be lucky to place 3rd in. We already have recruits jumping ship, and are uncertain about the future of our current players. Had CTB stuck out 2 more years, we arguably could have been competing for the PAC 10 title and a deep tourney run with the 08/09 and 09/10 class fully in place.

We will get over this, we will move on, and we will survive. Meriones said it best, we got set up. This wasn’t about charter flights or recruiting, he dumped us the day after prom because he wanted someone else. Well, good luck Tony Bennett…and pray to God your precious UV doesn’t schedule us.

by WSUCougMaddie on Mar 31, 2009 2:18 PM PDT reply actions

Yep

This is why I am so confused:

Last year, CTB passed up on IU, LSU, and had interest from other programs as well. He signed a new contract, and committed to staying.

IIRC he also had interest from Marquette. I think programs like Marquette with his Midwest connections would have made sense to me. This move doesn’t make any sense to me.

It almost seems to me TB skipped town because he was afraid he might have not done as well with his own recruits as oppose to what he did with his Dad’s recruits his first two years in Pullman.

Good luck to you guys. This is not fun.

by Nestor on Mar 31, 2009 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions

WSU's basketball team have been some of our toughest opponents in recent years.

Your guys played well and FOUGHT well, without resorting to thuggery.

Under Bennett, we always knew we were in for a combination chess-match and heavweight fight. Even the 50-45 type grinders were still great games to watch for die-hard basketball fans like us.

You Cougs have been very worthy and honorable opponents. Hope you guys land on your feet.

"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008

by Meriones on Mar 31, 2009 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions

That was the reason why I was glad to see Coach Bennett disappear

No game against any D-1 opponent is ever really easy (with some exceptions, of course.) But Coach Bennett’s teams always made me more than a little nervous. They may not have had the best athletes, but they always played well, and they never gave up. Unless Wazzou somehow lures Coach Howland to leave us and go there, I can’t see anyone else duplicating what Coach Bennett did with what he had to work with.

I don’t think that Wazzou will ever be a patsy, but without Coach Bennett I don’t think they will be as good as they were. As M said, they will continue to be worthy and honorable opponents. I too hope they will get just the right fit with their next coach.

And Coug fans, we were all just kidding when we suggest Coach Howland’s predecessor. We would only wish that guy on justsc.

by Fox 71 on Mar 31, 2009 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions