Former players, colleagues, peers and fans reacted with a mix of surprise and gratitude to the news legendary and popular University of Virginia basketball coach Tony Bennett would retire from the program.
After 15 seasons of leading the Cavaliers to numerous Atlantic Coast Conference titles and a 2019 national championship, Bennett on Friday made the news official at John Paul Jones Arena. Here’s how the news reverberated across the Wahoo universe:
“TB is obviously a great basketball mind and one of the best competitors I’ve been around, but who he is as a person stands out the most. One of the best, most genuine people I’ve ever been around.” – Ty Jerome, former player (2017-19), member of the 2019 national champion team
Ty Jerome, a member of the 2019 national championship squad, said Tony Bennett was “One of the best, most genuine people I’ve ever been around.” (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
“It’s impossible to capture in this space all you’ve accomplished as a coach, mentor, friend, colleague and UVA legend. So, for now, I will simply say thank you, Tony Bennett, for 15 incredible seasons and 15 years of memories. We have been blessed by your presence.” – UVA President Jim Ryan
“I’m crying in Starbucks right now. Thank you, coach, for everything.” – fan Marni Matyak, on Facebook
“I think I speak for every teammate of mine, but I believed in and bet on TB as a coach/person, the entire staff, and we achieved things as a team I didn’t think were possible and I’m thankful for every moment of it. The principles and discipline he instilled in me set me up for success after basketball and I couldn’t be more thankful.” – Evan Nolte, former player (2013-16)
“The principles and discipline he instilled in me set me up for success after basketball and I couldn’t be more thankful,” former player Evan Nolte said of Bennett. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
“Tony Bennett is, first and foremost, a tremendous person who is also one of the most accomplished coaches in the storied history of ACC basketball. He is a fierce competitor, but one who always leads with integrity, class and unwavering values.” – ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips
“Oh, my heart. I’m sobbing! You are being true to who you are. I respect that. It hurts to have you leave.” – fan L. Brenda Pace, on Facebook
Kyle Guy, a member of the 2019 national championship team and now an assistant coach, thought so much of Bennett that he named his first son after him. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
“Best decision I ever made was to come play for him. My oldest son is named after him for a reason.” – Kyle Guy, former player (2017-19), member of the 2019 national champion team and current assistant coach
“Tony Bennett has set a standard of excellence in college basketball, and his impact on the game has been Hall-of-Fame worthy. Competing against Tony and his teams has always been a challenge. He has made me better, and I have utmost respect for the way he led his program.” – Mike Young, Virginia Tech men’s basketball coach
